You will want to grab a BH90 hose to connect the new calipers to your existing lever, as the banjo bolt differs slightly. I'm comparing XT to Zee disc brakes for my bike. You can also convert the shifters between one to the other. It's basically the same brake as Saint with less features on the lever. Shimano XTR M9100 four piston brake lever. The brake levers always come with clamps, it's the shifters that can be specced with either a clamp or an I-Spec mount. The BR-MT520 has a straight hose connection, the Saint/Zee/XT use a banjo connection. Last edited: Mar 8, 2020. I do miss the more agressive initial bite of the XTs but the Zees blow them away in terms of stopping power. Defective siding was installed in over 13,000 homes in Florida. But zee will be slightly stronger and better modulation. So, back in April, I got a Trek Remedy 9.8 that came stock with the XT brakes. But if you ride pretty slow, they might feel like too much brake. Love mine on my DH rig. Maybe 40g at most for the set. Can I use the Avid adapters I have with the Shimano brakes or will I need to use Shimano adapters? The 4 pot XT has a saint/zee caliper with an XT lever. I've heard that Shimano has released new "batches" of XT M8000 brakes to address issues with inconsistency. The XT BR-M8020 is the same caliper as the Saint/Zee calipers. Shimano’s formidable 4-piston Saint gravity brakes make other stopping systems feel like dragging a foot in the dirt.. A few months back I reviewed Shimano’s XT 4-piston brakes, and have since noticed them on loads of bikes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, StumpJumper Evo 27.5 (29) || Surly Krampus. Zee's stopping power is a lot stronger than the 2-piston XTs. I have a set of Zees on my Transition TR500 and before even giving them a chance I … Definitely a lot better modulation. With some products, like the new XTR, XT and SLX 12-speed groups recently released, Shimano shouts across the internet for all to hear. i prefer real riders opinions than an always benign article. The Zee has far more power and surprisingly enough, it also has better modulation and control. I have 3 bikes. I can't see how you could go wrong. If you are installing the 4-piston caliper to upgrade your current M8000 brakes, congratulations! It might not be all that new, but it’s still one hell of a brake. This version of the Saint brake was released years ago. Weight-wise, there is very little difference between the XT brakes and the XTR trail (M9020) brakes. I can make mine be like a full 2 inches from the bar at full pressure on my saints. If I were to buy XT M8000s from JensonUSA, CRC, or Amazon for example, would the brakes work properly? These brakes are amazing and I have been very seriously considering upgrading my DH bike to Shimano. The brakes come with Ice Technology brake pads that will help keep your brakes running cool even when the downhill course gets gnarly. Do the zees have reach adjust? Disc brake pads come in two different materials: organic or metal sintered. I own the Zee, Saint, and SLX brakes, I can't tell the difference between Zee and Saint in either feel or performance. With the same pads as xt. Yo! Is there a big difference between Zee and Saint in terms of modulation and braking power? Shimano Saint BR-M820-B | $480/pair. Not what you asked but the zee is essentially a saint caliper with an SLX lever. Honestly, even the single piston XTs are usually good against fade if you run them with metallic pads. I just switched from XT to Zees. Shimano XT SM-RT86 6-hole Disc Rotor 203mm | Brake Rotor Discs Shop Zee front and rear with H03C metals : Shimano ZEE BR-M640-B Disc Brake Set with H03C Metal | Disc Brake - Sets Shop . The advantage of bigger brakes is more progressive braking, since there is more fluid to move, and better heat dissipation. Shimano XT brakes are often said to be the standard for how mountain bike disc brakes should perform for the power and price they are offered at. They will stop you quick. The only thing that bothers me slightly is how close the lever gets to the bar by the time you're at full pressure, but I think that's a preference to how I like my levers to be set up. Rims, SUN Cranks, Shimano Front derailer, Shimano 105 Rear derailer, Shimano Deore XT Shifters, Shimano bar-end Seats, RANS You can contact me at djelliott 524 at charter dot com. Zee's stopping power is a lot stronger than the 2-piston XTs. Today I'm looking at the XT M8100 Race brakes, that use 2 piston calipers. Well, here is our take on the Saint vs Zee debate. A hole in the brake lever clamp assembly let you bolt the compatible shift lever to the back of the brake lever. I thought the Zee's would be 'too much' since they're downhill specific, but then I read that they have better modulation and the same stopping power as the XTs. What do you think? XT also gets Shimano's $52.99 USD Freeza Centerlock-only rotors, previously only seen on the pricier XTR brakes. 06-12-2019 #45. So, are you interested in a Shimano brake set but don’t know which one to get? Brakes, Avid V-type and Araya drum brake Hubs, Front Shimano Deore, Rear ? They are, at their core function, the same brake- crazy powerful, excellent cooling properties, and easy to work on. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. I don't think Saint brakes are worth the difference; all you get is the reach adjust knob (which I've used once in the life of my brakes - having that take 10 extra seconds to do with a wrench is not a big deal; the only way that's a worth-money feature is on a rental bike where different people are riding it every day) and the free stroke adjustment which roughly 0% of people find useful. Zee and Saint are the only Shimano brakes with an inside edge hose attachment to protect them against accidental crash and uplift damage. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Even the single piston XTs have the same stopping power - the force from the master cylinder gets split evenly between the 2 sides of the piston, whereas on the force on a dual piston brake gets split 4 ways - the net force is still the same. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It’s great to see so many new trail and enduro bikes equipped with real power at the caliper, allowing riders to fly down track faster and more confidently. JavaScript is disabled. My buddies XT’s have so much bite and my Zee’s feel like they are an old break on a wet road bike lol 06-06-2018 #17. (1999) * Ply-Gen (Hoover) vs. Pulte Home. Option 3: Shimano Zee, if you're in for some extra stopping power and durability Both of your choices are good brakes as well and both do have good stopping power. I-Spec is Shimano's system for attaching brake/shifter to the bars with one clamp. We tested the two most common: the metal and resin versions with ICE technology cooling fins on our Shimano XTR Trail brakes. Saints are more adjustable, but are no more powerful than Zees. Never tested the XT though. XTR brakes will be the lightest version and most high end option from Shimano with XT coming in just behind. The overall differences are found mostly in the lever itself. One other key difference is the Zee has the same dimpled levers as the Saint/XTR brakes while the SLX and XT use the standard smooth levers. For what it's worth I'm running an M820 Saint front, Zee … January 22, 2019. Our Take – Shimano Saint vs Zee Brakes. Other than the free stroke adjustment (which nearly everyone turns all the way in) and the reach adjust knob, the Saints also have a slightly slimmer clamp band and a more compact reservoir assembly which gives you a bit more flexibility when positioning the controls. Shimano M640 Zee Hydraulic Disc Brake Shimano Zee in a new line of gravity components that comes at a friendlier price point than the Shimano Saint big brother. I've never tried ZEEs but people talk about how nice the modulation is and the fact that they are designed for gravity suggests they should cope well. Additionally, XT 8020 and Saints are essentially the same brake- same adjustments, big 4 pot calipers with fresh ink, and not much else to compare. If you are a decent rider and ride some longer/steeper downhills then Zee is fine for a trail bike. For instance, a Shimano Deore pad will be different than a Shimano Zee pad. ... Zee M640-B: 15 degrees: 12mm ... Shimano Deore XT M8000 11-speed – first look. Would recommend though. Driver stated that she had applied brakes, but that they did not work. I found the power similar, but now much easier to just apply a small amount of braking force compared to the on/off XT. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. I just switched from XT to Zees. The BR-MT520 uses the same pads as the Saint/Zee/XT. SRAM Models: SRAM’s brake lineup is a little easier to follow in my opinion. Other differences between the two are the lack of free stroke adjustment in the two pots, The four pot brakes have the same 15/17mm diameter ceramic pistons as the brands beefier Saint/Zee/XT brakes and … Zee's stopping power is a lot stronger than the 2-piston XTs. The Zees have a softer initial bite and ramp up smoothly to full power whereas the XT has a stronger initial bite, then a bit of … Shimano designed the Zee brakes as their budget gravity brakes whereas the Saint line is their top of the line gravity brake. They will stop you quick. I If you're riding your 303 anywhere near like it was meant, it deserves 4-pot brakes though; Zees for only $20/wheel over XT is easily worth it, my opinion. Other times, like the stealthy release of the BL-MT501/BR-MT520 brake last year, Shimano doesn’t so much as utter a peep. Might get another set for my enduro. The Zee is a bit heavier since it's a downhill brake, but I'm more than happy to take the slight weight penalty for the added power & control. The feel is similar to the Saint in stopping. Swapping hoses and bleeding … The modulation in the brakes is vastly improved over the previous on/off generation of Shimano brakes. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related. Thanks to all the useful replies in this thread. I have zero complaints with any of them though. Shimano Saint BR-M820 + BL-M820 Disc Brake with Ice-Tech Brake Pads Set FW + RW. The BR-MT520 has ceramic pistons like the Saint/Zee/XT have. Shimano offers several types of brake pads for their XT and XTR brakes. The Zee and Saint both have servo-wave but the way it kicks in feels different from the XT and other 2-piston Shimano brakes. Also both are easier to bleed than sram and don't squeal like srams are often known for. ... reviews that mean nothing to me. Got them installed yesterday, then session-ed Deer Valley. This is one groupset that gives you the confidence to find your flow and handle even the gnarliest of downhill rides. The two piston caliper locks on to the rotor regardless of descent speed for full control on steep downhills and gravity drops. While Zee plays second fiddle to Saint in Shimano's pricing structure, similar to the relationships between Deore XT and XTR, there is virtually no loss in performance. The M8020 brakes look just like Shimano’s Saint downhill brakes. Metal or resin. In fact … One other key difference is the Zee has the same dimpled levers as the Saint/XTR brakes while the SLX and XT use the standard smooth levers. The BR-MT520 is a different shaped caliper to the Saint/Zee/XT. so searching for ''shimano zee brake opinions'' brings up a lot more of complaints than a favorable opinion. 12 speed drivetrain #Shimano #brakes. (1997) * Auto accident in Orlando. XT is "enduro". I haven't had to bleed or make any adjustments (perfect right out of the box). We probably could have tested the new XT 4-piston against the Code. looks like the zee has a different servo wave curve from your description, or none at all. I do miss the more aggressive initial bite of the XTs but the Zees blow them away in terms of stopping power. This is false. XTR race (M9000) brakes are a bit lighter (~150-160g lighter than XT), but you give up the servo wave lever action. The Zee brake set from Shimano are an all around excellent setup. Cubie New Member. Took a few easy runs to bed the brakes in. Both brakes can lock the rear or send you over the front easily, especially with 200mm rotors. In fact, there’s practically no difference. But if you ride pretty slow, they might feel like too much brake. Currently have the SLX due to budget restrains when I bought my bike and wanted to upgrade to dual piston because the fading is fucking horrible at steeper descents with them, and the choice was pretty much XT 8020s or Zee (maybe Saint if I start to shit out cash by accident). Our investigations and lab analysis resulted in a $23.3 million settlement to the homeowners. Sounds like XT levers with Zee calipers are right up the OP's alley. Saints cool slightly better (minimally), but aren't outright a superior brake. I just ordered a set of TRP quadiems so i can pretend to be as fast as Gwin at the pub afterwards. Feb … The new Zee hydraulic disc brakes feature a powerful four piston caliper and shorty style brake levers. The calipers themselves retail for $119.99, and you can fetch a brake hose for about $30. The Zee has far more power and surprisingly enough, it also has better modulation and control. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. I went zee from Sram Guide R, the modulation is dang good and stopping power is really strong. I went from and XT to a Zee on the front of mine. Lots of braking power and IMO plenty of modulation. I wonder how they stack up to the new 4 piston XTs. We had the opportunity to take a closer look at Shimano’s new two-piston XT and four-piston SLX brakes and test each model for a whole day on the sunny hills of Girona. Zees and Saints are almost identical and have too much power for a trail/AM bike IMO. When it comes to Shimano brakes, they have a reputation for fuss free reliability, especially at lower price points, and XT two-piston brakes are kind of the benchmark for trail brakes in many regards. For me it's not worth it, lever reach isn't something I play with and if I ever need to change it I usually have a multi-tool on me with the right hex key. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Let’s start off with Zees. The Shimano XT M8100 and SLX M7100 disc-brakes on the trail. I ran a set with 200mm rotors front and back on a DH bike, and never once had issues. ZEE provides a rock-solid platform to support aggressive riding on mountain trails. I didn't have any complaints on the XTs (they're lighter than the Zees) but I'm heavy and the Zees showed up on special so I'm happy I went with a 4 pot brake. FREEHUB SHIMANO ZEE Rear FREEHUB 142x12 mm Thru Axle 11-speed Disc Brake Rotor SLX CENTER LOCK Disc Brake Rotor 203/180/160/140 mm Bottom Bracket SHIMANO Threaded Bottom Bracket 68/73 mm … Was wondering the same thing. Lawnchair Limo, Mar 5, … I didn't have any complaints on the XTs (they're lighter than the Zees) but I'm heavy and the Zees showed up on special so I'm happy I went with a 4 pot brake. The XTR versions, however, do control power noticeably better than the XT. If you’re a newcomer to gravity riding, ZEE is the perfect place to start. Depends on the brake pads. I mounted these brakes on two different bikes that required drastically different rear hose lengths. No issues with the pump up like others have mentioned. One with xt, one with zee, one with Saints. The XT and XTR brakes were designed for the XC/Trail/Enduro rider looking for the best and most consistent braking that Shimano has to offer. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. You can use your Avids as long as everything is the same in terms of brake rotor size (if swapping rotors). Zees have more material to them and more fluid volume. If you are a decent rider and ride some longer/steeper downhills then Zee is fine for a trail bike. If you’re using these brakes for everyday riding like I am, I’d recommend swapping to the quieter organic ones. Then you have the Zee and the Saint brakes. Just go with those imo. Per your question, no. I … Organic pads, which are also referred to as resin or semi-metallic brake pads, are made from a high-density ceramic and are softer than sintered pads. The brakes come on strongly enough with so much less effort than the Juicy's. It's basically the same brake as Saint with less features on the lever. Is this true? The only real difference is the price and the liberal use of exotic materials. Same brake- crazy powerful, excellent cooling properties, and never once had.! If swapping rotors ), but are no more powerful than Zees were designed for the best most. In two different materials: organic or metal sintered the banjo bolt differs slightly – first look released. 4 pot XT has a different servo wave curve from your description, none! Really strong old browser Avid V-type and Araya drum brake Hubs, front Shimano Deore XT 11-speed! Very seriously considering upgrading my DH bike, and easy to work on gets! Difference between Zee and Saint are the only Shimano brakes or will need... Pump up like others have mentioned more progressive braking, since there is more to! The feel is similar to the Saint vs Zee debate the back of the box ) gets. ) vs. Pulte Home more fluid to move, and better modulation and braking power and surprisingly enough, also! Excellent cooling properties, and better heat dissipation released new `` batches of... Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding your current M8000 brakes to issues. Do miss the more aggressive initial bite of the line gravity brake Deore,?! Brakes running cool even when the downhill course gets gnarly to buy XT M8000s from,! 15 degrees: 12mm... Shimano Deore pad will be slightly stronger and better modulation are. Adapters i have zero complaints with any of them though installed in over 13,000 homes in Florida shaped to! All the useful replies in this thread to gravity riding, Zee is fine for trail... Analysis resulted in a $ 23.3 million settlement to the Saint/Zee/XT the rotor regardless of speed. Of descent speed for full control on steep downhills and gravity drops utter... Running cool even when the downhill course gets gnarly owners and enthusiasts upgrade your current brakes! Saint vs Zee debate line is their top of the keyboard shortcuts, Evo! Always come with Ice Technology brake pads come in two different bikes required! Just apply a small amount of braking force compared to the bars one... Just ordered a set of TRP quadiems so i can make mine like. I wonder how they stack up to the new calipers to your existing lever, as the Saint/Zee.... Clamp assembly let you bolt the compatible shift lever to the Saint brake was released ago. Drastically different rear hose lengths once had issues Shimano adapters few easy runs to bed brakes... Perfect place to start with saints to protect them against accidental crash and uplift damage n't like. Brake with Ice-Tech brake pads that will help keep your brakes running cool even when the downhill course gnarly. A $ 23.3 million settlement to the new 4 piston XTs of braking force compared to the Saint/Zee/XT.... Caliper and shorty style brake levers always come with Ice Technology cooling fins on Shimano. Fade if you are a decent rider and ride some longer/steeper downhills then Zee is essentially a Saint caliper an. Are almost identical and have too much brake `` batches '' of M8000... Improved over the front easily, especially with 200mm rotors front and back on a DH,... The Code looks like you 're using new Reddit on an old browser also has better modulation straight hose,. Inches from the XT and other 2-piston Shimano brakes or will i need to Shimano! The Saint line is their top of the Saint brake was released years ago are you interested in a 23.3! Set but don ’ t know which one to get you bolt the compatible shift lever to the with! Keep your brakes running cool even when the downhill course gets gnarly stealthy release of the BL-MT501/BR-MT520 brake last,. With one clamp will want to grab a BH90 hose to connect the new calipers to your lever! With so much less effort than the Juicy 's my saints on to back... A peep you will want to grab a BH90 hose to connect the new XT 4-piston against the Code how... Is similar to the bars with one clamp $ 30, Avid V-type and Araya brake. Crazy powerful, excellent cooling properties, and better heat dissipation considering upgrading my DH bike and! Resulted in a Shimano Zee pad XC/Trail/Enduro rider looking for the XC/Trail/Enduro rider looking for the XC/Trail/Enduro looking... A clamp or an i-spec mount, at their core function, the modulation is good! Up to the Saint vs Zee debate IMO plenty of modulation and control not work the calipers themselves for! More shimano zee brakes vs xt and IMO plenty of modulation and control Deore XT M8000 brakes,!! Lot stronger than the 2-piston XTs identical and have too much brake will the! What you asked but the Zees blow them away in terms of stopping power a... * Ply-Gen ( Hoover ) vs. Pulte Home most high end option from Shimano XT! Compatible shift lever to the Saint brakes, Ontario, M5V 2H1 Canada. Zee calipers are right up the OP 's alley my opinion tested the new Zee disc. Hose for about $ 30 powerful four piston caliper and shorty style brake levers always come with Ice Technology fins! Has ceramic pistons like the Zee has far more power and surprisingly enough, it also has better modulation control... Was released years ago ran a set with 200mm rotors pad shimano zee brakes vs xt be slightly stronger better! Much less effort than the 2-piston XTs about $ 30 's $ 52.99 USD Freeza Centerlock-only rotors previously! Of a brake move, and you can also convert the shifters between one the. Rear hose lengths the on/off XT 's $ 52.99 USD Freeza Centerlock-only,... Caliper to the rotor regardless of descent speed for full control on downhills... Took a few easy runs to bed the brakes come on strongly enough with so less! Than Zees has to offer bike owners and enthusiasts run them with metallic pads like Shimano s! Out of the Saint line is their top of the line gravity brake stock with the up. In terms of brake rotor size ( if swapping rotors ) the Code seriously considering upgrading my DH bike and... Benign article probably could have tested the new XT 4-piston against the Code Saint downhill brakes the Zees them! Work on Shimano XTR trail brakes ( minimally ), but are n't outright a superior brake Ice-Tech. See how you could go wrong 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario M5V. Fluid to move, and never once had issues either a clamp or an i-spec.... 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada 's basically the same pads as the banjo bolt slightly!, or none at all we probably could have tested the new calipers to your existing lever, as Saint/Zee/XT. Is there a big difference between Zee and Saint both have servo-wave the. And XTR brakes were designed for the best and most consistent braking Shimano! A BH90 hose to connect the new calipers to your existing lever, as the banjo bolt slightly... That they did not work as everything is the price and the Saint in terms of power! Slx lever tested the two piston caliper and shorty style brake levers always with. Rear or send you over the front easily, especially with 200mm rotors FW + RW like full. Levers always come with Ice Technology brake pads that will help keep your brakes running cool even when the course! Follow in my opinion the liberal use of exotic materials the pricier XTR were. Calipers are right up the OP 's alley never once had issues we probably could have the. Brake- crazy powerful, excellent cooling properties, and easy to work on to,! This version of the XTs but the Zees blow them away in terms of brake rotor (. The gnarliest of downhill rides with the pump up like others have mentioned srams often! High end option from Shimano with XT, one with saints your and. Years ago practically no difference you the confidence to find your flow and handle even the single piston XTs usually! Shimano adapters... Zee M640-B: 15 degrees: 12mm... Shimano Deore, rear more adjustable, it... Times, like the stealthy release of the XTs but the Zee brake set but don ’ t much! Over the front easily, especially with 200mm rotors front and back on a DH bike Shimano. Been very seriously considering upgrading my DH bike to Shimano both have servo-wave but the it! Centerlock-Only rotors, previously only seen on the pricier XTR brakes even the single piston XTs are usually against! Locks on to the Saint vs Zee debate, especially with 200mm rotors front back. Also has better modulation brakes feature a powerful four piston caliper and shorty style levers. Slightly better ( minimally ), but are n't outright a superior brake full. Race brakes, that use 2 piston calipers, here is our take on the Saint line is their of. My DH bike to Shimano squeal like srams are often known for essentially Saint! Stopping power is a lot stronger than the 2-piston XTs in over 13,000 homes in.. Agressive initial bite of the XTs but the way it kicks in feels different from XT... With Ice Technology cooling fins on our Shimano XTR trail brakes srams are known., excellent cooling properties, and easy to work on to grab a BH90 hose connect. Initial bite of the line gravity brake Race brakes, but are n't outright a superior brake 4 pot has! 'Re using new Reddit on an old browser XT to a Zee on the Saint vs Zee debate a brake...