Shimano Mountain Bike Disc Brakes: What's right for you?
Shimano is one of the biggest names in the cycling industry and with thousands of products available it can be hard to decide which option is right for you.
Here, we’re going to look more into the MTB brake range. From the budget-friendly levels to stop on a sixpence mega brakes.
A brief breakdown of the range:
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Cues (U8000/U8020)
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Deore (M6100/M6120/M4100/MT420)
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SLX (7100/M7120)
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XT (M8100/M8120)
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Saint (M820)
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XTR (M9100/M9120)
Cues
We start with Shimano's latest edition, the CUES range. Introduced in early 2023. The CUES range was designed to slim down the catalogue by replacing the Altus, Acera, Alivio, and Shimano's "Trekking" components.
The Shimano Cues are the new standard, no matter your cycling style. With 2 options available, the U8000 & U8020 this offers consumers the option of a 2-piston or a 4-piston caliper, both using the U8000 Lever.
Buy Shimano Cues 4 Piston Brakes
Deore
Next in the range is the Deore Series with more options available that you can select from depending on your requirements. Like all Shimano brake ranges (apart from the Saint & Zee), these are also available with either a 2 or 4-piston caliper. From riding flowing blue loops to the more aggressive red/black trails, there will be a Deore option for you. Voted best in class so you can focus on the trail and enjoy every ride.
These are a great, cost-effective and very simple brake designed to give you great performance at a more budget price point.
Buy Shimano Deore 4 Piston Brakes
SLX
Moving on to the SLX series, this is the little brother of the famous XT series. Focusing on more gravity usage and developed for discerning riders seeking a balanced mix of performance, quality, and durability, the SLX is a great option to consider so if you're looking for a great performing brake without “Braking” the bank.
Buy Shimano SLX 4 Piston Brakes
XT
Let’s look at Shimano’s most popular brake, the XT!. This "Benchmark" brake offers great performance and high quality. This brake delivers unparalleled stopping power that sets a new standard with increased durability and performance to meet the needs of modern mountain bike riders. Featured on bikes with high spec as standard, you know you will have confidence on the trails when it comes to stopping.
Buy Shimano XT 4 Piston Brakes
Saint
The Shimano Saint brake is the Apex predator of downhill brakes and the out-and-out most powerful brake Shimano produces. Introduced in 2003 with the current series being the 3rd generation (M820), it is a popular brake with many Gravity, Downhill and Freeride riders. Not only is the Saint a powerful, innovative, reliable with integrated ICE TECHNOLOGIES heat management it is also sleek in design and features the famous gold touches.
XTR
On a lighter note, at the top of the tree when it comes to lightness and performance, the XTR series springs to mind. Used mainly in elite-level competition Cross Country riding due to the power and lightweight, the XTR is now moving in on the Enduro scene since it has now introduced the 4-piston caliper. These are on the higher side of the price spectrum however you can see why. Made from lightweight materials like carbon fibre and calipers with ceramic pistons, there was no expense spared when Shimano produced the M9100 series.
Buy Shimano XTR 4 Piston Brakes
Brake Rotors
With all of the good stuff done, just as important as selecting the right brake for you is the Disc Rotor.
Shimano offers a few options in their rotors, they range from the 1 piece solid rotor to the Ice Tech rotor. These are available from 160mm to 203mm 1 piece and up to a whopping 220mm with the Ice Tech rotors.
Brake Pads
Brake pads can be a little confusing when it comes time to replace them. Shimano have covered this and you will be able to see which option is best for your needs, click here
More information
If you require any detailed information on a particular model of Shimano brake you have or are thinking of buying, check out the below link which you can enter the specific model and see all the details:
Shimano Replacement Parts Selector
Please see the Shimano brake range, rotors and pads available at Biketart by clicking the below links:
If you need help deciding which brake option is right for you or finding out which pad or rotor you need, please contact our customer service team who have a wealth of knowledge:
