Shimano

XT BL-M785 Hydraulic Disc Brake

Shimano's XT BL-M785 Hydraulic Disc Brake takes its design cues from the new XTR M988 Trail Brakes, and though these might not be as visually refined as the highly polished XTR units, the stopping power speaks for itself.

In addition to the excellent power and modulation, the XT Brakes provide easy adjustment to keep your fingers happy and intuitively in control. There's also a tool-free reach adjustment that you're able to dial on-the-fly, along with a free stroke adjustment that lets you determine lever-blade-to-travel before pads make contact with the rotor.

Also, Shimano reworked pivot location so that the arc of the lever mimics the natural movement of fingers for enhanced power. Servo Wave technology correspondingly comes into play here in order to adjust piston travel relative to lever travel. As you squeeze on the brakes, the gap to the rotor quickly closes, then slows to permit predictable modulation. This allows the pads to sit further from the rotors at rest for less chance of drag. The calipers house a 22mm ceramic piston for inspiring stopping power, and Shimano uses a banjo fitting for the hose attachment at the caliper. The calipers also employ Shimano's Radiator Pads that have integrated fins in order to dissipate heat and to reduce fade on long, hot descents.

The Shimano XT BL-M785 Hydraulic Disc Brake has hinged, split clamps for easy mounting. It comes as a pre-bled lever/caliper/hose assembly and its complete for each end of the bike -- except for rotors (sold separately). Shimano XT Brakes will work equally well with XT Ice Tech Rotors or standard XT rotors. Please note that this brake is sold separately as either Left/Front or Right/Rear.