Enduro Pro Dyno Testing: Braking Power and Compound Development
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Gorilla Brakes testing and compound development
How do Enduro Pro compounds respond as rotor temperature rises? Our dyno testing records braking power for specific pad and rotor combinations, alongside real world riding that informs feel, consistency and wear.
This article explains our development work and the Shimano XT RT86 rotor results, including Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange against Trickstuff Power. For the independent riding findings, read our BikeRadar review summary.
How we develop and test Enduro Pro compounds
At Gorilla Brakes, we combine real world riding with controlled dyno testing. Our dyno was built by Adam Read of Hine-R Engineering at his workshop in Darwen, Lancashire.
We investigate how pad compounds, backing plates and rotors work together. This helps us understand braking power and temperature behaviour, while riding tests inform our assessment of feel, consistency and wear.
We continually refine our compounds and add new data. Independent reviews describe the products and configurations tested at that time; our ongoing development helps shape the products we offer today.
How brake pads affect braking power
Your brake lever and hydraulic system generate the force that presses the pads against the rotor. The friction between the pad compound and rotor then produces braking torque.
That means changing the compound can change how much braking force you get from the same lever input. A suitable performance compound can deliver stronger braking, a different initial bite and more consistent behaviour as temperatures change.
Power and control work together. Modulation is how progressively you can apply and release braking force, helping you manage speed and traction.
The complete setup matters too: rotor size and condition, caliper alignment, bedding in and tyre grip all influence the braking you experience.
Why performance changes with temperature
Brake compounds respond to heat. Their friction characteristics can change as temperatures rise, and different compounds have different operating characteristics.
Fresh pads also need the preparation specified for their compound. Bedding in helps establish contact between the pads and rotor and develop an even transfer layer. In our own initial conditioning tests, we observed green fade in fresh compounds, followed by braking power building with heat in subsequent runs.
Wear, contamination, glazing and the condition of the wider brake system can also affect performance. Following the correct installation and bedding in instructions helps your pads deliver their intended performance.
Gorilla Brakes dyno findings · Shimano XT RT86 rotor
Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange and Trickstuff Power: the Shimano XT RT86 rotor comparison
This comparison uses results using the Shimano XT RT86 rotor from our shared “Braking Power (W) vs Rotor Temp (°C)” test graph. Gorilla Brakes has confirmed the Shimano XT RT86 rotor setup for these curves. The TRP R1 and aluminium backed Ultimate variants are excluded from the figures below.
Across approximately 275 to 400°C, Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange delivers more braking power than Trickstuff Power with the Shimano XT RT86 rotor. At around 350°C, Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange produces approximately 1,280 W, compared with approximately 1,120 W for Trickstuff Power.
Scale: 0 to 1,500 W
Rotor choice affects braking power. These figures are from the Shimano XT RT86 rotor comparison. Our separate tests with other rotors produced higher power outputs in some pad and rotor combinations. The size of the increase depends on the compound, rotor and test setup; the Shimano XT RT86 rotor figures are not maximum power ratings.
Enduro Pro outputs from the same Shimano XT RT86 rotor test
- Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange: approximately 1,350 W.
- Enduro Pro Semi Metallic Blue: approximately 1,240 W.
- Enduro Pro Resin Black: approximately 980 W.
These figures match the Shimano XT RT86 rotor power blocks on our compound comparison page. Rotor choice, temperature and test conditions affect measured output; results from separate HEL or TRP runs are presented separately there.
Our dyno findings complement the independent riding review. The review used Hayes D-Series rotors and a different test procedure; the Shimano XT RT86 rotor watt figures above come from Gorilla Brakes’ own testing.
How the independent review fits alongside our tests
BikeRadar and MBUK technical writer Luke Marshall compared Gorilla Enduro Pro, Trickstuff Power and budget AliExpress pads using Hayes Dominion A4 brakes on a 25kg Vitus E-Mythique LT electric mountain bike, with fresh Hayes D-Series 203mm rotors for each set. His riding review highlighted Gorilla’s balance of performance and value; Trickstuff led for outright performance.
That review and our dyno work answer different questions. The review describes riding behaviour in its tested setup. Our measurements below describe braking power and temperature response with the Shimano XT RT86 rotor. Read the independent review findings and test context.
Choosing your Enduro Pro compound
Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange
Our recommendation for demanding riding where performance and longevity matter, including enduro, downhill, prolonged alpine descents, heavy cargo bikes and demanding electric mountain bike use.
Shop Ultimate Orange →Enduro Pro Semi Metallic Blue
Versatile braking and strong heat management performance for trail riding, touring, electric bikes, cargo bikes and longer descents.
Shop Semi Metallic Blue →Enduro Pro Resin Black
A quieter braking character for trail, road and gravel riders who prioritise braking feel.
Shop Resin Black →These are our range recommendations, separate from the findings of the independent comparison.
Compare all 11 Gorilla Brakes compounds and explore our testing.
Shop Enduro Pro Ultimate Orange by brake brand
Choose your brake brand, then check the pad shape and caliper compatibility for your specific brake.