Update: HINE-R Progress, New Carbon Compounds, and Taking on the Best
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The first quarter of the year has been non-stop here at Gorilla Brakes HQ. Between developing new braking hardware, refining compounds, and pushing test miles on some of the latest systems in the industry, the workshop has barely had time to cool down.
But the hard work is starting to show.
From the upcoming HINE-R brake system to our new Carbon road and gravel compounds, Q1 has been focused on one thing: building products that perform at the very highest level, both on the trail and on the road.
The HINE-R Brake System: 1,000 Miles Into Development
The biggest focus for us this year has been the development of the new HINE-R brake system.
As of this week, the HINE-R brake levers are now complete and ready to be paired with the calipers for final full-system testing.
So far, we’ve already logged around 1,000 real-world test miles on the calipers alone. That kind of testing gives us the opportunity to make the small refinements that really matter when you’re chasing ultimate braking feel and consistency.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been making several important micro-adjustments, including:
- Refined bleed port screws for a cleaner and easier service experience.
- Updated piston bores to improve piston retraction, reduce drag, and sharpen lever feel.
- Further optimisation of lever feel and modulation ahead of final testing.
The overall experience so far has been incredibly positive, and the brakes are starting to feel exactly how we envisioned them from day one.
Next week we’ll be releasing a dedicated update covering the HINE-R levers and master cylinder development in more detail.
HINE-R Rotors Enter Production
Alongside the brake system itself, production has officially started on the new HINE-R rotors.
The initial launch will focus on 203mm rotor sizes, with the first production test batch expected within the next few weeks.
Inspired by motorsport and engineered around strength, heat management, and consistency, the HINE-R rotor project has been one of the most exciting developments happening behind the scenes at Gorilla Brakes.
We can’t wait to get the first complete systems out on the trails.
SRAM Maven Demand Continues to Explode
It’s impossible to ignore the momentum behind the SRAM Maven platform right now.
We’ve seen a massive increase in demand for our Maven-compatible brake pads over the last few months, particularly from riders looking for more power, quieter braking, and improved consistency under heavy loads.
If you’re running Maven brakes and looking for an upgrade, our latest compounds are available now.
Testing the New SRAM Motive Ultimate Brakes
We’ve also been spending time testing the new SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes.
They’ve honestly been a welcome surprise.
Running them with our Gorilla Sintered pads has delivered a braking feel that’s sharp, crisp, and extremely consistent. Initial impressions have been very positive, especially under repeated hard braking.
The next stage of testing will involve pairing the Motive Ultimates with our upcoming Enduro Pro Resin 2 compound to see how far we can push the platform.
👉 Shop Pads for SRAM Motive / DB8 / Code
Road & Gravel: Introducing the New Performance Carbon Compound
For road and gravel riders, we’re excited to officially launch our new Performance Carbon Brake Pad compound.
Designed specifically for modern Shimano and SRAM road and gravel systems, the new Carbon compound delivers:
- Progressive braking feel
- Improved modulation
- Extremely low noise levels
- Better consistency for modern disc-road setups
This compound replaces our previous Enduro Ceramic line and represents a major step forward in refinement and ride feel.
Available now for:
The “Trickstuff” Challenger: Enduro Pro 2
Following our recent showdown in MBUK Magazine, where our Enduro Pro Ultimate compound went head-to-head with some of the industry’s biggest names — including Trickstuff we came out on top as the “best option.”
But we’re never satisfied.
We went back to the drawing board, analysed the competition, and set out to create something even better.
The result is the new Enduro Pro 2 compound.
The mission was simple:
Build a brake pad capable of outperforming the legendary Trickstuff Power pads.
Over the last week we’ve been putting the new compound through intensive internal testing, and so far the results have been extremely promising.
In our opinion, the performance is equal to — if not better than — the Trickstuff Power pads.
There are still a few weeks of internal validation remaining before wider rider testing begins, but the future of the Enduro Pro platform is looking incredibly exciting.
Looking Ahead to Q2
Q1 has been all about development, refinement, and testing.
Q2 is where things start getting serious.
With the HINE-R brake system moving closer to final testing, new rotor production underway, Carbon compounds launching, and Enduro Pro 2 showing huge promise, there’s a lot coming from Gorilla Brakes over the next few months.
Stay tuned for more updates, testing videos, and behind-the-scenes development content.
We’ll see you on the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HINE-R brake system?
The HINE-R brake system is Gorilla Brakes’ upcoming in-house hydraulic brake platform currently undergoing final development and testing.
How many miles have the HINE-R calipers been tested for?
The HINE-R calipers have already completed around 1,000 miles of real-world testing.
What sizes will the HINE-R rotors launch in?
The initial HINE-R rotor launch will focus on 203mm rotor sizes.
What are the new Gorilla Brakes Carbon pads designed for?
The new Carbon compounds are designed specifically for Shimano and SRAM road and gravel disc brake systems.
What is Enduro Pro 2?
Enduro Pro 2 is the latest Gorilla Brakes prototype compound designed to deliver performance comparable to or better than Trickstuff Power pads.