TMB Review: Shimano Deore XT Brakes

When I swapped the Shimano XT 2-Piston brakes I’ve been running on my Trek Stache for years with this 4-piston upgrade, I wasn’t expecting a huge difference. Boy were my expectations wrong.

Form, ergonomics, and setup on the two brake sets are effectively the same. But the stopping power between two and four pistons per caliper, and the lever force needed to engage it, is night and day different. If you are a person, like me, who historically chose two-piston brakes for weight savings and efficiency, hear this: Modern bikes, even an aggressive hardtail like the Stache, will thrive with more braking power.

I have for years been a Shimano brake devotee, with XT or XTR on basically all of my bikes. I have always loved the Japanese powerhouse’s consistency and reliability: To wit, I have a bike with three-generation-old XTR brakes that haven’t needed a bleed in over five years. Shimano’s brakes have been bombproof for as long as I can remember, and this model has proved no different. Strapped them on a year ago, and I haven’t touched them since.

With that said, Shimano brakes have a very flip-switch feel, either off when you aren’t pulling them or fully on at the bite-point you set. This instills a lot of confidence. But it is also binary. So if subtlety and modulation is your thing, these may not be the perfect fit.

As the most affordable brakes here, the M8120s offer a ton of features for the cost. For a slight step up, the latest M8220 version offers even more stopping power and a refined lever. Perfect for e-bikes, enduro, and rides where maximum stopping power is needed.

The tool-free reach and stroke adjustments are features that you only get with more costly models on other brands. The finned, Ice Tech rotors do an exceptional job of dissipating heat, which means brake fade isn’t really a concern. I did note some occasional decrease in power on miles-long descents, which makes sense given that these are basically the smallest calipers in this group. Having said that, the tidy mounting system and compatibility with dropper post levers and other gewgaws are basically as good as it gets.

	Shimano Deore XT Brakes Bottom Line: This is probably the best brake you can get for the money. It’s neither the most powerful, nor the most nuanced. But it works exceptionally well and will keep doing so for the long life of the brake. I run these on my XC and light trail bikes. Shop Shimano Deore XT Brakes
Shimano Deore XT Brakes Bottom Line: This is probably the best brake you can get for the money. It’s neither the most powerful, nor the most nuanced. But it works exceptionally well and will keep doing so for the long life of the brake. I run these on my XC and light trail bikes. Shop Shimano Deore XT Brakes

by Aaron Gulley Aaron has been writing about cycling, travel, and the outdoors and reviewing gear for the likes of Outside, Bicycling, Velonews, and others for over two decades.