Way before these current Shimano XT (M8000) Brakes, the Deore XT groupset from Shimano has always been a benchmark level of kit from the late 80s to the present day. It has consistently given a premium level of performance and build quality at an attainable price for most riders and has the latest tech that’s trickled down from Shimano’s pro level XTR group.
“The XT brakes are a very worthwhile upgrade that will give new life to a trusty machine or happily grace a custom build”
Speak to any experienced bike mechanic and there will be very few, if any, that would not hesitate to recommend these Shimano XT brakes. Sitting in the shadows of many more expensive boutique level options, these brakes may not be at the top of your upgrade list but they ought to be. Most riders have suffered from inconsistent or unreliable brakes at some point, and it can really hold you back from giving it your all out on the trails. There are some very desirable upgrades out there but not all deliver what they promise, not in the long term anyway…
