Latest XT hydros?

Slowgrind · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 3:34 pm

Any experience with the latest XT BR-M785 hydro brakes? Any recommendations against purchasing them for regular cross-country use?

Thanks in advance.

Kimba · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:20 pm

I got some a few months ago and they are the best brakes I've ever owned.

DannyHuynh · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:23 pm

they are strong! but so are the SLX's. the xt's are more bling

Dirtrider · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:24 pm

I have read that the SLX is the same basic working units as the XT.

Slowgrind · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 5:04 pm

Thanks all! I'm going forward with them (though I will check out the SLXs). My Avids totally crapped out.

DannyHuynh · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 5:15 pm

blue sky has cheap XT brakes usually

singletrackmitch · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:44 pm

Most of our store's Giant XO's and Santa Cruz carbons come equipped with the new XT. I really enjoy the modulation in the XT lever...much improved over previous versions. Compared to the offerings from Avid CR or X0, I feel the XT will come out on top over the long run.

***note the bite point adjustment screw is worthless and does virtualy nothing to improve performance. You still have to advance the piston to accomplish this task. Otherwise, this is a serious fine tuning adjustment that most will never perform and out of the box, the brakes are mighty dialed, styled, and profiled.

OldDogDan · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:02 pm

I was going to buy XT's but after reading reviews I decided on SLX and I'm happy with 'em. Got 'em on sale from Blue Sky.

project_d · **Posted:** Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:37 pm

I put a set of the new XTs on my Nomad, and I absolute love them! So much, in fact, that I got a set for my V10, and they give that bike great modulation.

DWill · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:30 am

I've got XT's on my Nomad C and put SLX's on my sons Nomad. There is no difference in feel a the lever between the two.

The reach adjustment on the SLX'S is a little different and seems to not stay set as well as the XT's. there is no bite point adjustment on SLX but it doesn't seem to do anything anyway on the XT's or than take some of the "free play" out of the lever.

The pads on the SLX are held in with a cotter pin and the pads rattle a little because of it. On the XT's the pads are held in with a bolt. This is a easy "fix" to make on the SLX if you want.

Other than that the XT's are shiny the SLX are not.

Both are great brakes.

fuse · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:53 am

I've been wondering about that cotter pin, and thinking about replacing it with a socket cap screw. How did you "fix" it?

DWill · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:49 am

fuse wrote:

I've been wondering about that cotter pin, and thinking about replacing it with a socket cap screw. How did you "fix" it?

Order the screws from Shimano, you'll find them on BTI's web site. The hole in the caliper is already there (obviously) and is the correct size. You'll need a tap to tap the threads in the hole.

Tap the holes, put the bolts in… done.

Dirtrider · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:06 am

I really see no need to do this. The brakes need to have play so they can work as intended and it's really no biggie if it's held in place by a cotter pin or bolt.
Many car calipers use cotter pins to hold their pads in place without any issues.

mtbgurlSD · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:13 am

Love my XT's. Have them on both XC and AM bikes. You won't be disappointed.

fuse · **Posted:** Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:37 am

Thanks, DWill. I've got the XTs, SLXs and LXs. All good brakes.

Certainly no need to replace the cotter pin with a bolt. The bolt doesn't bind the pads anyway, it's just a cleaner look and easier to service.

Latest XT hydros?

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