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Hi all,

Me again with another request for recommendations please, this time for hydraulic brakes.

I quite like the Shimano M666 and the M785's mainly as they use mineral oil which seem a bit more user friendly but does anyone use these and if so, what are they like to run?

I've also been looking at Avid's - again any recommendations and also how difficult are they to bleed/maintain as I have to admit to being a bit overwhelmed having done some research!

Cheers

Jim

The current range of Shimano brake are pretty good. I run an older version of the XT brake (4 pot) and apart from not having the adjustability of the modern post mount they have loads of power and modulation. Bleeding them is easy and you don't have to worry about the brake fluid dissolving bits and pieces. Both the SLX and XT brakes get good reviews with most recommending them over Hope and Avid. Will probably by the latest XT's for my new build.

I'm running the M785's and they are exceptional and have needed no maintenance at all, cutting the cable to shorten it was easy too (and everything was supplied in the box for it), however they are heavy in comparison to other brakes if you're fussy about that.

I have had many sets of Avids before and they have always needed bleeding at regular intervals, but the XT's are now 8 months and are still perfect. The biggest win for me is that they don't squeal when they get wet or muddy.

Be aware if you order them from abroad, somewhere like Rose Bikes, that will ship with the left brake being for the front, so be careful when ordering.

Really helpful chaps, thanks very much. I was hoping for recommendations on the shimanos if I'm honest

Looks like it'll be the m666 or 785's then....

I am running the XTR trail brakes and although i have had some issues with them, they were replaced under warranty and have loved the way they feel, they feel responsive and modulate and inspire you to push harder knowing they are super reliable!

I have the M666s and so far bomb proof. The extra power/modulation take a bit of getting used to, especially if you are coming from avids or similar. They are also a damn site easier to bleed and setup that most other brakes.

I know Tony (Jedi) at UK Bike Skills has swapped his Hopes for the 785's and have been well impressed with the improvements too.

The only real difference between the 2 is the bite point adjustment on the XT but not the SLXs and a split pin rather (SLX) than a bolt (XT) on the pads.

The Shimano rotors with the alloy spiders are well worth the money too. I started out with cheap rotor to save a bit of money, but they soon got replaced.

The finned icetech pads look impressive but unless you are in the Alps every month the non-finned replacements from discobrakes or superstar are just as good.

Cheers for that, very helpful.

Just need to decide between the 785 and 666 now

Loving my 2012 xt brakes

Yeah I hate my formula brakes.

Cheers chaps for all your replies and recommendations.

M785's it'll be

Avid brakes are agro, i swear these are my last set

I've always had shimano XT brakes and have never had a problem. The 2012's can also have the shifters attached so less to clutter the bars by using the ispec mount.

You must of read my mind as the ispec mount was the real decider for me when I was looking at shifters too.

Seems a really neat (pun intended) idea.

I have a pair for avids and sram shifters if you are interested?

Many thanks for the offer but I'm sorted now.