Small tip for DIY-people: If you don't like the safety pin used on the Deore Calipers you can retrofit the screw from the higher series if you tap the threads into the calipers. Remove the pin, tap on the outside latch, I believe its a M4 thread. Then just screw in the screw and secure with the clip. Done!

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yeah I should do a video about that...🤔 thanks for sharing!

@ryansteiger6960

4 ай бұрын

what kind of hardware is necessary to cut the thread. Could you link an amazon link?

@tl924

4 ай бұрын

I will definitely be doing that! Thanks buddy.

@knott4me561

27 күн бұрын

​@@ryansteiger6960 absolutely none ....when you've bought the screw pin just use the screw as your tap .....its strong and cuts absolutely perfect threads into the caliper with only a small amount of force required

You were one of the first MTB channels I found all those years ago. Thank you so much for the all great content.

@LoveMTB

2 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

For the past 18 months my front brake setup he been Shimano SLX BL-M7100-R lever, SLX BR-M7120 4 piston caliper with fined resin pads, SLX 203mm SM-RT70-L rotor & all I can say is 'perfecto', they are absolutely phenomenal brakes. Very powerful with amazing brake feel & control at any speed, I could easily lock up the front wheel at any speed & get bucked over the bars. Reliability is no issue either, I set them up a long time ago & not touched them since. A huge bonus too is that Shimano use mineral oil instead of DOT brake fluid. I couldn't recommend highly enough using this brake setup.

@LoveMTB

5 ай бұрын

Good brakes indeed

Great timing, had just added a set of 2 Deore 6120s into a cart, waiting to checkout.

Great stuff! I have quite a collection too, 6000, 7000, 8120 and Saints. Love the fact you can mix and match all the bits!

I’m a Shimano “fan boy” and think the brakes are some of the best in the industry with these new models. I have the older models too and those models had some “getting used to” because of the grabby feel. But I feel like these new models completely eliminated the grabby feel but without making them feel mushy like some other brands feel. My 8120 XT brakes have aftermarket levers from Flo Motorsports called the Pro 120. My 9120 XTR’s I left the original nice levers on those. One of the things that I love about Shimano is that they are very easy to bleed and service. The Shimano Ice Tech rotors are pricey and so are the brake pads but you can get the less expensive Shimano rotors or other brands, same with the brake pads. I only use Shimano mineral oil but some people change that too. I really enjoy your channel and learning about your profession opinion and tips on bike wrenching. Thanks!

Great comparison vid!!! My fav so far is the xt 8120 and pretty straight forward to bleed also.Cheers!!!

Thanks for this, great run-down of the various choices.

@LoveMTB

5 ай бұрын

You’re welcome

Appreciate you covering the differences between I-Spec II and EV. I'm looking for a mount compatible with my Wolftooth dropper that will mate with my Deore XT brakes. Now I have a better idea what to look for!

Thanks for the video. Just to share my own experience. When fitting my actual carbon frame/hardtail I went through a similar (but not so detailed) comparisson and opted for a set of 6100 levers and 6120 4 piston calipers, paired with RT76 rotors (180mm front and 160mm rear). Bike's weight is 12 kg and I'm about 80kg. Main use is recreational (I mean not race) XC and trail, including some downhill sections, not extremelly long but with very little space for braking and on mostly dry and loose surface terrain. To me this combination sounded as the best performance/price relationship for the intended use and I'm very happy with the resulting braking power and braking control (is this the so called modulation ??). So far I still using the stock resin pads for now.

Great info broken down professionally Thank you

@LoveMTB

5 ай бұрын

You’re welcome

I love my Shimano SLX 7100 2 pistons brakes. I just Upgraded my Rotor to a SRAM Centerline 180mm F/R . SLX 2 pistons Is superb I wish I could buy the 4piston but I'm happy with 2 piston on my Hardtail XC bike 💯 always Love to watch your video 💯💯

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Very nice!

Small detail, the free stroke on the SLX is blocked only by a shorter screw, it can be easily replaced by a longer one in order to have the functionality. Great video btw!

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding to the post. I have started the video with that kind of detail in mind and I removed it quickly as the video would have been 15 minutes or so 🤓

@Silkl4sh

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTBIt's been that way since 2012/2013 SLX M666 brakes ( I loved them so much)

Thanks for this great video and the comparision. I use the BR-MT520/500 on my fully and it´s the best brake i ever head

I have deore mt6100 on my honzo and a got then cheap off chain reaction they gave me the black shimano logo ones they really good

Epic video! I'm running the SLX M7000 2-pot ones. Lovely so far in over 3 years, front was new while the rears were second hand. From my research back then for the Mx000 generation, XTR isn't worth it, XT had a bad batch in the beginning while SLX came later on the market and are spot on. Plus I got the new upgraded G05S pads for this new season. 203mm and 180mm matching SLX discs as well. Would love the M8120 ones day 😁

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yeah I had a set of the original XTs, they replaced them without asking much 😁

I love my Shimano brakes but can't say I've tried anything else LOL. My Optic came with MT-420 4 piston brakes with metalic pads, hated the levers so did a simple lever replacement with the M6100 levers and a bleed. I love that all of the brakes are basically slightly different versions of the same thing and are all interchangeable. Quick lever bleed and they are awesome.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Bonus with the M6100s is the Servo Wave also!

@illestFlavor

3 ай бұрын

How are you liking them? Way better braking feel? I'm planning to do the same with my MT420 by swapping the levers to the 6100 levers or maybe the 8100 XT levers. They came on my Range VLT A2 so need all the braking power feel i can get.

@LoveMTB

3 ай бұрын

@@illestFlavor 6100 will feel more powerful, should be easily noticeable.

@dimimtb

3 ай бұрын

@@illestFlavor I ride in Ontario and they are plenty powerful enough for me but I think the key point to the whole setup is the metalic pads and compatible rotors. I went with the cheaper leavers as i don't need the on-the-fly lever changes or the free stroke adjustment IMO. Nice to have but not needed for me.

Congratulation, great video, I'm using shimano xt m8100 and I love it.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! We have more XT brakes used than anything else.

I have the TRP Slate T4's that I installed on my Trance a few years ago. I like the brakes, but will admit, they do not have the quick stopping power, or bite, as my son's Shimano 520's he has on his Genius. I have to be careful riding his bike, since I'm used to the modulation on the TRP's, that I press too hard on his brakes and find myself continuing a bit over the handlebars while the bike was braking. Have to admit I like that stopping power and the smaller lever's. Have been considering a switch to the 520's possibly Deore that you setup for your bike. Thanks for the video, this is helpful on seeing the differences.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Your comment brings up a good point, brakes like those TRPs are considered to provide great modulation and that's obvious in the car parking test. However on the trail, real life, the so called on/ off Shimanos provide good braking power and enough modulation and the TRPs will feel weak and give you arm pump. Oh well...🙂

Great comparison video. Currently using XT 2 piston on my XC rig. And SRAM Code Silver Stealth (the ones with the hose closer to the bars) 4 piston on my trail rig.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! How would you compare the performance of the two?

@GokkunGuru

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTBBoth are amazing IMO. Excellent build quality and performance. The SRAM 4 pistons have greater stopping power and heavier. But since they’re on my trail bike, I’m not concerned about counting grams. Oh bleeding edge makes bleeding brakes easier than on Shimano mineral oil.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Good to know I won’t avoid them when I come across the new high end sram brakes

@GokkunGuru

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTBThe new design allows for the hose to sit closer to the handlebar. It looks cleaner for sure.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yeah wouldn't be the deciding factor for me though@@GokkunGuru

PERFECT explanation, love all the videos, but I want to add information: there is another difference on XT and XTR Lever blades: XTR is forged and XT is bent sheet metal

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Nice catch! And SLX and XT levers seem to be different also, pretty sure cheaper manufacturng on SLX

For bikepacking purpose 203mm front with mt6120 and 180 on rear with mt6100. More than happy with the setup, no complain.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

That's a pretty strong set of brakes for backpacking?? Happy trails☺

@Sayan_here

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB it's a bit overkill but couldn't resist the deal i was getting for the package.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Now that makes sense😊@@Sayan_here

Love Shimano brakes, thanks

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

We only use Formula and Shimano so I guess we can say the same😊

@Jacob99174

6 ай бұрын

And sorry, I do SLX brakes of the choices

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

We used SLX a lot in th epast, not the current generation as I don't like the bluish color☺@@Jacob99174

Nice vid , I use SLX 4 pot and did the mod 😇 metal pads 203 front 180 rear .

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Right on!😇

Olá!! Sou do Brasil!! Adoro seus vídeos!! Uso XT M8100 com discos e pastilhas de freio Ice Tech

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Olá, obrigado por compartilhar! E felicidades do Canadá😁

Thank you, this was usefull - as allways. Imo Shimano has the best brakes, no matte 2 or 4 pistons both are very powerfull, cheers :)

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Agree, it's almost all we use 😁

Thank you for information. 👍

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Anytime

Shimano Brakes and SRAM gears is my preferred combo.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

With you on that😊

Upgraded to 7120's for me. I quite like the blue...ish colour. 4 pistons seem trickier to setup consistently compared to my previous 2 piston Tektros.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yup harder to keep them from rubbing

I have the XTR M9100 2 piston calipers and the XC race version levers 🗿🔝 best brakes I've ever had I also have the XT M8100 on my older 26er

@LoveMTB

5 ай бұрын

No you like the no Serviwave lever better? Interesting setup for sure

I recently built up my hardtail, using a set of MT520 calipers, i don't like the big non servo wave levers so I bought a set of SLX levers, mated with 302mm rotors front and rear(mind you it's an "enduro" hardtail) and you've got some insanely good stopping power on a budget! I've got full XT 4pot on my Stumpjumper and I almost like the cheaper set better!

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Haha exactly, blind test hard to tell which one is which from Deore all the way up

I just bought yesterday the SLX 4 pistons. I only do wheelies and I use a lot the brake so I don’t want it to overheat. And I want strong brakes and reliable brakes. So I choose the SLX the XT doesn’t work for me, it’s always failing after wheelie for some time, the SLX are more reliable on that point. I don’t chose the deore or the 501 because I like the ice tech and the reach adjust 😁

I have 7120 SLX on all my bikes but add the XT Ice Tech rotors. I could not justify the cost of going with 8120 or 9120 for very minimal weight savings. I have been completely satisfied with the performance of the SLX braking, especially with the XT rotors, 203 front and 180 rear.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Nice capable setup!

6 ай бұрын

I have 7120 SLX too. I hate them. There is noticeable wandering bite point, especially in temperatures below 20 deg Celsius. In 10 degrees it's a serious problem. Brake is completely non-repetitive. It's not related to wrong bleeding. It's related to crappy seals material. I switched to Code RSC I my second bike and I love them.

XT everything boiii

@fra93ilgrande

5 ай бұрын

The best 😎 🔝 (I consider XTR for racing only, absolutely overkill for amateurs)

I have the XT 8120 on one of my bikes and on the other one the Deores of 2015 (the grey ones) in 2 pot, and belive me I can barely tell a difference between them. Feels pretty much the same. Sure the 4 pot XTs have more power. But the feeling is 95% the same. I'm really impressed with the deore lineup even on drivetrain. Don't see the reason to spend more money on the more expensive series as long as you don't do races where weight matters.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

With you on that...

i went for the mt520 calipers.

I ended up just changing my front brake on the Meta HT my most used bike to XT 4 piston but still running SLX 2 piston in rear. been working well I dont feel I need 4 piston in rear. Cheers

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

With you, I have 4-piston front only on my bikes😉

Hi LoveMTB, I know you probably don't have the time for this. But can you measure the width of the widest part of the Deore XT or SLX dual piston calipers? The part where there is a head of a screw protruding the left side of the caliper (when facing towards the front of the bike). The reason I ask is that my Deore caliper, because of its new design, could not clear the seat stay of my frame if I try to install an 180mm rotor adapter so I'm stuck with the 160mm rotor. I was wondering if the Deore XT or SLX will solve this issue for me.

I have Tektro 4 piston on my bike and they work well even with the stock pads. I have thought about changing to Deore 6120's but just can't justify spending the money when the Tektro's do so well. If anything breaks then I'll switch over.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

We've only used Tektro on kids/ beater bikes, 2-piston and they never ever gave us trouble. BTW you know THEY are behind TRP...

@donnovicki9771

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Did not know that.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yup😊@@donnovicki9771

Side note: at XTR level Shimano uses different bajo and screw bc of the magnesium material. SLX lever's bolt is act like a fully turned in XT and XTR "free stroke adjuster".

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding the details!

You leave out the best Shimano brake. Saint

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

It’s not current generation of 12s like I mentioned in the opening of the video. Great brakes nevertheless

I love my HOPE TECH 4 😈

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

People rave about them, I’m still to give them a try

ThnX! 7:22 - so, it looks like only a Deore M6100 rear caliper allows for a cut-to-the-size hose? I need a hose longer than the longest available with a banjo (ISMBH90SBML200 is only 2000mm long).

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Deore is the only one that allows to use that tightening nut at both ends, caliper and lever so yeah if you can find a longer than 2000mm hose you can do it, pair a deore caliper with whatever lever you have.

I love my 8120.

@fra93ilgrande

5 ай бұрын

Deore XT 😎🔝

I have SLX on my fat bike and that's the only bike with Shimano I have. Brake power is god, no complains. But what I like the most is the levers. I just like how small and curved they are. I have a feeling I have less finger travel, or let's say they are natural finger move when squishing compared to Stram when my fingers go in some awkward direction. Is not that bad, still not perfect. TRP brakes are close to Shimano. Still, the levers are more towards to Sram levers than Shimano.

Hey great video. Any compatibility issues with 7000 2 pot caliper and 6100 lever?

@LoveMTB

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes, they will work well together, also have this video - kzread.info/dash/bejne/iX9puMduhsrJaKw.html

Informative video. My bike came stock with Shimano MT201. I recently just upgraded my groupset to XT. I've been reading about some issues with the XT 2 pistons, so I am hesitant to go this route. Leaning toward the deore 6100 which should be a decent enough setup and an upgrade from the mt201

@LoveMTB

18 күн бұрын

I am using all of them from Deore to XT to 4-piston. They are all good, get the one that makes more sense for you price and features, performance will be very similar.

@ashokhargovan9603

18 күн бұрын

@LoveMTB, thanks for the response. Ordered my Deore 6100s online, yesterday. The reports of a wondering bite point on the 8100s threw me off.

@LoveMTB

18 күн бұрын

@@ashokhargovan9603 you’ll be happy with those

I laughed pretty hard when you called the free stroke adjustment the do nothing screw because as far as I can tell, that’s what it does.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Oh yeah I’ve always called it that😊

I've been watching your fantastic videos for more than a decade (fellow MTBRer) and I don't think you've ever really talked about the wandering bite point that everyone complains about regardless of whether or not they actually experience it. What's your take on this problem with the newer generation of servo-wave levers?

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sticking with me for this long😊 I had one of the first batches of XT brakes with e the issue and they replaced them under warranty no questions asked. No more issues after that. A good bleed helps!

Very nice review! Can I still use my clamp style 12-sp XT shifter with 8100 levers?

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

For sure! 👍

I put half a decade of use on M6000 brakes with few problems; but I showed Shimano my opinion on i-spec EV by substituting Hayes T2 brakes.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

How do you like the Hayes? They are some of the innovators in the hydraulic brakes! Together with Shimano. And I did have a set of M6000 that I used on a couple of bikes, bombproof!

@trentvlak

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB I like them a lot, but I'm also easy on brakes.

Great vid! You forgot the Saints, nobody ever test them, I know they are old but if Greg Minnaar still use them, they are not too old :)

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

True that! Just didn’t have one ☺️

@GhislainLeduc

4 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB I am in the process of changing my Guide RE, I had arm pump issues all summer long and I just realized that with my Saints, I never had that issue. So I am thinking either XT 8120 or Saints... 9120, I do not see the value, they are so expensive

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

Agree XTR is just for the bling@@GhislainLeduc

@knott4me561

27 күн бұрын

Trp now .

Running Deore 4 piston and upgraded to metal pads, huuuge performance upgrade and cheap with just pads

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Well sure longer lasting, less bite, noisier. So don’t know if better or upgrade?😊

@Turbodudedk

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Bite Way better, and won’t overheat. You must have had some bad pads

Very nice brakes, even the Deore. I run Magura, but wouldn't recommend ever spending money to swap from a Shimano brake.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Agree, hard to justify

Pls make a video for the banjo fitting (short/long) compatibility for shimano 2 piston and 4 piston brakes..

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Great suggestion but there isn’t much to it some calipers / generation of calipers have a longer bolt than others that’s it🙂

I've seen many reports about the SLX M7100 lever snapping easily. They made the lever blade thinner at the thinnest point where it's meant to bend, if you smash it, instead it snaps.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Don’t smash it!?😊

@mtbboy1993

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB I've never done this, but a guy bought a bike second hand and the plastic guide was snapped. Imo material choice eis absurd so is no spare parts.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

@@mtbboy1993 ouch

For my winter commute bike I went with sram guides 😂 I will get to test them out in -30 C this week 😅

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Fingers crossed? 😊

@_Zane__

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB hah, I bought some nice 45nrth pogies , I'll need to pull out the winter boots though

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

@@_Zane__ have fun!

What is one way bleeding?

Great vid 👍 Quick question will the current shimano 12 speed brake lever range (mt6120-mt9120) work with the shimano MT420 4 piston calipers?

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

Yes but be careful with the line connection, MT420 has a straight in hose just like the Deore.

@cranborile

4 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Thank you 🙏

I've been contemplating going hydraulic on my everyday commuter. I've got mechanical Paul brakes. They are really nice and easy to adjust. My only issue is that my rear brake line froze internally because some water got in there and the temperature dropped in the 20's. I was able to still use my front brake however, so it wasn't a disaster. I put a new brake line on and used a better sealed endcap and also used some antifreeze in the line and so far haven't had it freeze again. I'm mainly curious if hydraulic brakes are susceptible to freezing?

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Probably not as bad as the mechanical, I've never heard of them freezing.

@ericjensen4434

6 ай бұрын

Consider the Shimano MT200 brakes. Dirt cheap and excellent.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

@@ericjensen4434 depending on the application 😎

Nice video buddy. I’ve just got a Vitus sommet which comes with sram brakes I’m wanting to swap them out I really don’t like them. Can I use scram Rotas on shinmano brake sets?

@LoveMTB

Ай бұрын

Yes you can but if they are the Centerline / most probably/ they’re not that good

@syms85

Ай бұрын

Yes they’re centreline. Do you reckon I should swap these too? Cheers for the advise

@LoveMTB

Ай бұрын

@@syms85 I would, and the cheap SLX rotors from Shimano are good

I have mt420 quads as my first hydraulic brakes and now i am planning to replace the levers with very tight budget. What lever you can suggest? I am eyeing to slx levers. Tnx.

@LoveMTB

Ай бұрын

Use this video for reference, I would go Deore levers - kzread.info/dash/bejne/iX9puMduhsrJaKw.html

@phil5073

Ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB thank you

Nothing wrong with Shimano brakes. I use them on my daily bike to the office. But when it comes to my MTB, nothing beats Trickstuff Maxima.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Still to try those

In my opinion free stroke is the biggest problem with hydraulic disk brakes. I trick it down by overfilling, so I have around 12mm at the end of my XT 8000 levers with 4 piston calipers, but 7 to 5 mm, as it was possible with cantilevers, would be much better. In this regard I like 2 pistons more than their big brothers. A lot of riders work around free stroke problems, adjusting their levers super close to the grips or having one finger on the lever all the time, but that's not for me. Are there any differences coming with the latest shimano generation?

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Not meaningful no, but you can use the free stroke/ bite point on the XT/ XTRs for that. I would go 2-piston though if you want minimum pad clearance, that's pretty much what you're asking for.

hey guys, what do u think about the "old" zee brakes Vs the new slx/xt brakes? I mean Shimano didn't updated the zee for a pretty long while. I dont know if the new generation of slx/xt are already better or at least on the same level as the zee?

@LoveMTB

2 ай бұрын

They are still great brakes but lever mounting options is outdated

That's why I was able to buy the xtr levers for 50$ 😂😂😂😂 I thought that someone in amazon was liquidating their stock 😅

I'm still using Shimano XT 739 V-brake levers I bought in 2006 and XT 760 V-brakes I bought in 2007👍👍

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Wow 👍

@glen3509

6 ай бұрын

@LoveMTB They still work😁👍👍. I also was using XTR/XT replacement pads for years👍👍. Now im using ok Jegwire pads. I also used Jegwire Kevlar brake casing for years🤘🤘

@glen3509

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB A set of XT 8100 disk brakes would be nice. But not on my 2006-07 Trek 4300.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Nice vintage!@@glen3509 👍

@glen3509

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB HaHa Vintage👍👍

I fitted a BR-M6120 to my hardtail a few days ago and apart from the look there is no difference in performance to my BR-M8120. All I did was cut a M4 thread so I could use a pad retainer bolt and fitted some D02 sintered pads, all in 5 minutes. For me there is no need to spend the extra money over the Deore BR-M6120 brakes.

@LoveMTB

3 ай бұрын

Agree 💯

Hey man, quick question... My Eeb (e-mtb) came w/ TRP Slate 4 Piston brakes. They're seriously underpowered for the bike (& me @245lb's). I'm looking at getting XT M8120 & thought you might know answer to this one... do the XT M8120's suffer from the wandering bite point issue? Second question, you mention the straight Deore M6120... do you think they'd be up to the task w/ a 50lb rig & 245lb rider? Many thanks 👍

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Deores will be just fine, you can ue the finned pads from Zee / Saint with them if you want. Interesting that you're the seccond biker in the chat to ask about the TRP Slate great modulation/ underpowered performance.

@kingrat738

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Slates would be great on a trail bike.... they're just underpowered for my AM E-MTB 🙁

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Great brakes for the right application for sure@@kingrat738

right now I have a canyon strive that came with the xtr brakes, but before that I had a different bike with slx brakes. I can barely feel any difference. altho I maybe think the xtr is slightly more stiff

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Could be but for what price delta? 😏

What a phenomonal video, thank you! As someone brand new to bikes, I have been so confused about so many things, and this cleared up a lot. My only existing doubt I have, in case anyone is kind enough to help me....I currently have SRAM X9 shifters, attached to Avid Elixir levers (2011 Stumpjumper std kit). Once i put the Shimano levers, I will have nowhere to attach the shifters, I'm sure its obvious to anyone with experience, but what are my options here? Do I buy new clamps for the shifters, or is there a way to mount them to the Shimano's in a similar way I have them now? Thanks!

@LoveMTB

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! And depending on how they were attached to the brakes you might be able to find the usual SRAM bar clamps.

The non-servo wave XTR levers feel no different in terms of lever feel IMO. The pads sit closer to the rotor making set up a bit more tricky but the feel under braking has better modulation.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Depending on the application they will feel weaker also. Some use those levers with 4-piston calipers for the ultimate "modulation". But I feel that modulation is an overused term to define brake performance.

@ikerarrizabalaga5422

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB totally agree. I have my XC bike with M9100 levers (no Servowave) and M9120 callipers,… and my trail bike with M8120 brake/levers …. The brake feel of the XTs is much better in my opinion. Haven’t tried the M9120 levers though.

I recently built up a new hardtail with 1x12 XT drivetrain and SLX M7100 brakes on RT70 180/160 rotors. the rear brake works perfectly smooth, however the front rotor has a distinctive bite spot, which causes it to pulsate under braking. i've cleaned the rotor and given it additional time to wear-in, but the pulsating persists : / Is there anything else i can try, or is replacing the front rotor the only solution?

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

RT76 rotors? bent at all?

@concordesquadra5392

6 ай бұрын

RT70 rotors, center lock. not bent, they run true, front one just seems to have an inconsistent braking surface. i built everything with brand new parts... it's odd?

Can you interchange the levers while keeping the calipers you have 1 or 2 pistons

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

Levers always, calipers it depends

@jackmatt1022

4 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB thanks bro what a response time ❤️ I subbed

Do you know why the XTR uses a flat head for the pad retention vs. the allen on the lower versions? I've always wondered, it seems to be a down grade.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

It is a flat head indeed, don't know why. Maybe so you don't overtighten it given that the caliper is made out of magnesium?

@fra93ilgrande

5 ай бұрын

It's more likely you always easily can get a flat head driver rather than allen 😎🔝👊🏻 for convenience I guess, the R in XTR stands for race after all

I use m8000 with m7120 in front and m7100 on rear along with rt70 203/180

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Nice 👍

I bought 4 piston deore, I'm not real happy with the lever travel adjustment. Probably gonna order a set of 4 piston XT's.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

FYI won't be much different.

@John_D2

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Thanks for the heads up. I had 2 piston XT's on my old bike it seemed like bite point was closer the stop of stroke on the lever. That's where I like it.

Can shimano mtb brakes be used with shimano road levers??

@LoveMTB

17 күн бұрын

Nope different pull ratio

No mention of the ceramic pistons? Do all MTB groups use ceramic? My XT M8120 ceramic pistons just cracked and there is no good replacement!! I hear these are a problem with Shimano brakes. Hoping they change materials soon....

@LoveMTB

Ай бұрын

In every day use nobody really cares if the pistons are ceramic or not. I have videos describing in detail each brake type this is more like a summary of that info. Links in the description. As for breaking/ cracking, in 10 years of using them, various variants I only had issues with one. Cracked, but entirely my fault…

@chrisginsburg6611

Ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Thanks - but since this happened to me, and with only moderate use, I now find hundreds of others online complaining about Shimano pistons. In fact, an entire 3rd party Chinese mfg. industry replacing Shimano pistons exists! Unfortunately many of these Chinese replacement resin pistons also have some issues. This is not a small problem with modern Shimano calipers.. I think maybe you got lucky. This is why I was asking if all groups (Deore, SLX, XT, XTR) all use ceramic pistons.... I want to replace my XT 8120 calipers but keep my levers.

The “One way bleeding port” bein in the inside really close to the Rotor makes it hard to bleed on the Bike 🥴

@LoveMTB

2 ай бұрын

They call it better and more complete bleed. As for hard… have a how to bleed brakes easily video😊

Thinking about the slx over the deore is it worth it?

@LoveMTB

3 ай бұрын

For me it i not...

@soulsikk2011

3 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB yeah I didn't see much after looking into it. But I went in yesterday and got a smoking deal on the SLX so I couldn't resist

@LoveMTB

3 ай бұрын

@@soulsikk2011 I hear you 😊

May i ask is your XT lever have a Scratch

@LoveMTB

13 күн бұрын

@@fishingpet1992 that set of XT levers is well used, not scratch but the paint is worn out on the lever blades

@fishingpet1992

13 күн бұрын

@@LoveMTB because I saw some Looks Scratch on other of your video about XT lever

Id like to hear how you pronounce "leverage"😊

6120 in my ebike and 6100 in my hardtail!

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yup great brakes for the application!

How does the braking power compare? 🤔

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Which ones are you loooing at?

@gammelgemse

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTBnone specifically, just curious which are the most powerful ones.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

With what rotors? Size? Make? What pads? Warmed up or not? How strong is your finger? 😊 4 piston are about 20% more powerful than 2-piston​@@gammelgemse

Actually, there is no need to buy another class above it, when you already have Deore, because the sensation and performance are pretty similar. To get braking performance that is not that different, you have to dig deeper into your pockets. It doesn't make sense.

Just want to mention that a friend has the xtr and he fell two times on the levers and he had do drill the existing screw hole as the screw broke, and also the body lever bended. As a design i feel that the sram levers are more robust and even the ultimate with the carbon levers are more durable then Shimano. I would not recomend the xtr as they are to high as a price. I feel like they are fragile.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

I don't know about durability as we prefer to ride the bike upright ☺ but I agree with you on the XTRs. But they are race components after all they're supposed to be the lightest not the most durable.

@45graham45

6 ай бұрын

Yes, the 7100/8100 levers bend nuch easier than the 7000/8000 series levers. This is because where there is a kind of fold in the lever, the new style ones are pressed a bit tighter than the older ones. Hard to explain unless comparing the two. Also, I cannot tell any difference in stiffness between the old & new style. I actually prefer the old style because of the stronger lever & they take up less space on the bars.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

@@45graham45 💯 prefer the old style for more space on the bar but don't like the old I-SPEC II attachment style for the accessories.

@45graham45

6 ай бұрын

@@LoveMTB Yeah. Well, I always use the bar attachment option. That way all my kit is backward, forward & sideways (other brands) compatible. Never understood why people claim that having a black bar clamp fitting on the dropper & shifter levers makes the bars cluttered - it does not. In fact, with the new style levers my dropper & shifter bar clamps fit between the two contact points of the brake lever & so take up zero extra space on the bars.

@artoutlawphoto

6 ай бұрын

@@45graham45 even that the new clamping style makes them a bit more powerfull, you can't loosen them to spin around the bar in case of a crash. Ore they are to tight or to lose on the handlebar. Maybe just one point of clamping on the bar but a bit bigger is a better design then two point clamping.

Did I miss the weight comparison?...i know it's marginal, but hey , you know what they say about marginal gains!

@LoveMTB

4 ай бұрын

I have all these reviewed/ checked individually with weigh info I’ll link them all in the description thanks for the suggestion

I'm currently using a 2 piston Deore M6100, would it be better if I changed the calipers to a 4 piston MT520?

@LoveMTB

Ай бұрын

I don't know your use, they are pleanty powerful with 2-piston

Shimano clearly doesn't know much about hydraulics. They're going to regret that bleeding position, regardless of whatever marketing they come up with

@LoveMTB

5 ай бұрын

Could you explain?

I just got a canyon torque on e freeride e bike and it comes with the new SLX brakes. I am really surprised how powerful they are and how good they feel.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

Yup great brakes!

Something is wrong with the description. This generation has been available for several years. There is nothing new for 2024.

@LoveMTB

6 ай бұрын

2024 Shimano brakes lineup is…what they sell today, introduced in the last few years

If i need to know something, guess

That is called a ''lever''. ''Liver'' is in your body.

great job with all the ads uploader, all ye who are putting non stop unskippable ads on your own videos are why yt is destroyed . GREED and shame on all the channels who have destroyed what was once a great site and what is a free platform

XT are not worth the money. You'd better off getting either SLX or XTR depending on a budget. SLX

@fra93ilgrande

5 ай бұрын

Well said bro, I'd say XTR if money is not a problem or SLX if you're on a budget

Shimano For Life. Hate sram

A lot of good information, sabotaged by your veering of explanations, product views, and your sporadic order. Try again, layout the products in an easy to follow order and label the components clearly and individually. Perhaps you could think of your audience as being kindergartners.