Brembo Partners with Specialized for MTB Debut

Brembo, a world-renowned leader in high-performance braking systems for motorsports like Formula 1 and MotoGP, is venturing into a new arena: competitive mountain biking. In a significant expansion, the company has announced a partnership with the Specialized Gravity Team, one of the top international teams in the cycling world. This collaboration marks Brembo’s official entry into the Downhill World Cup circuit, uniting two icons of performance and innovation.

Key Highlights

  • Brembo is entering the professional mountain bike racing world for the first time, specifically in the Downhill World Cup.
  • The company is partnering with the Specialized Bicycles’ Gravity Team to develop next-generation braking performance.
  • The official debut for the new braking system will be at the UCI MTB World Series race in Val di Sole on June 20-22, 2025.
  • The partnership is further strengthened by Öhlins, a high-performance suspension company within the Brembo Group that has a long-standing relationship with Specialized.
Brembo Partners with Specialized for MTB Debut

A Shared Vision for Innovation

The partnership between Brembo and Specialized is founded on a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and achieving peak performance. Both companies are recognized for their dedication to continuous innovation and passion for high-level sports. “Officially entering the highest level of professional Downhill racing is a thrilling new challenge for Brembo,” said Andrea Paganessi, Brembo Motorcycle Global Chief Operating Officer. He noted the significance of this move happening during the 50th anniversary of Brembo’s involvement in Motorsport competitions.

Armin Landgraf, CEO of Specialized, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We hold our partners to the same high standards we set for ourselves, and Brembo’s legacy of forward-thinking engineering and race-proven performance made them the clear choice.”

Brembo

Technical Excellence and Debut

The collaboration also involves Öhlins, a global leader in suspension systems and part of the Brembo Group since early 2025. Öhlins has supported the Specialized Gravity Team since 2013, making this a natural extension of a successful technical relationship.

The new custom braking system developed for the Specialized team includes:

  • An axial brake master cylinder with a triple lever adjustment for a customized feel.
  • A post-mount caliper with four “isolated” aluminum pistons for high braking power.
  • A braided steel hose to ensure consistent and precise lever travel.
  • A fixed brake rotor with an enlarged surface designed to optimize heat dissipation.

The new system will make its competitive debut at the Val di Sole race in Italy. Enthusiasts will also have an opportunity to see the Specialized Gravity Team bike equipped with the new brakes at the Mugello paddock during the Brembo Italian Moto Grand Prix on the same weekend. This strategic alliance marks the beginning of Brembo’s goal to redefine braking standards in elite-level gravity racing.

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