XT brakes and XTR

[brmeyer135]

Since XT brakes seem to be popular.
I would recommend checking merlincycles.com
I just picked up some xtr 987 brakes for 320.00 which I remember some nearly paid that for XTs
Now, you can get XTs at merlincycles.com for 191.00(front and rear) w/ no disc ---- 212.00 with disc
http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-xt-m785-disc-brake-set-front-rear-black-55284.html
http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-xt-m785-silver-disc-brake-set-rt81-rotors-55067.html
Free shipping over 86.00 and if you can wait, a 10% discount should come along.
Currently, they have a 10% discount on all XTR components...ends today.

[Chadding]

merlincycles is def a good place to get a set of XTs.

Have you ever had XTR brakes before, brmeyer? Just curious what makes them worth the extra cash? Is it just the saved weight or do you get a different feel/modulation from them. Would LOVE to have some for the bling factor alone but unfortunately I have to be a bit more utilitarian in my choices.

[brmeyer135]

I haven't used XTR yet....will get back about that in July.
Otherwise, whereas some spent on drivetrain or wheels or whatever - I went with brakes....ease of setup and reliable - that is Shimano...didn't want to fool around there.  Cheap price for premium brakes...most brands you will be over 400.00 for top of line(except for merlincycles you can't find the m987's for less than 400.00)

[Carbon_Dude]

That's a great price on the XT brakes, a few bucks less than I paid and I thought I'd already gotten a good deal.  I'll never go back to Avid brakes now that I've had the Shimano brakes.

Not sure if the XTR brakes are worth the extra $130 but if you have the budget, XTR is the best.

Actually, when I checked the website the final price came out to $293 after the extra 10% off the sale price.  So for a little extra, you get the nice brakes with free stroke adjustment.

[brmeyer135]

With the good exchange rate and Merlin still offering 10% off on XTR
You can get the XTR 987 brakes for under $300.00...about 290.00 currently
They are the same as the new M9000 except for the ceramic piston

[Vipassana]

I have not ridden the XTR, but I now have extensive experience with the XT brakes.  So far, they are 100% better than any Avid model I've have the displeasure of riding (Elixir 3 and 5 and others).  They are quiet, firm, fade free, and powerful. 

From my reading, if you close your eyes, the XT and the XTR feel and perform identically.  My only complaint on the XT, is that they are a bit heavy.  If the XTR truly perform like the XT or better and are lighter, they will be incredible brakes.  I kind of wish I had sprang for a set.  Oh well.  Next time.

[Carbon_Dude]

I have not ridden the XTR, but I now have extensive experience with the XT brakes.  So far, they are 100% better than any Avid model I've have the displeasure of riding (Elixir 3 and 5 and others).  They are quiet, firm, fade free, and powerful. 

My experience as well.  I have no need or desire to ever go back to an Avid brake.

[MTB2223]

I have not ridden the XTR, but I now have extensive experience with the XT brakes.  So far, they are 100% better than any Avid model I've have the displeasure of riding (Elixir 3 and 5 and others).  They are quiet, firm, fade free, and powerful. 

Same experience. Only quiet depends on how clean the brake rotor and pads are. My daughter (10yr) had Avid brakes, but they really sucks, piston got stuck. Now she's riding with XT brakes. Last week they made a squeaky sound. After cleaning the brake rotor and pads with brake cleaner, now they are silent and got more brake power like they where new

[cmh]

I had Avids on my Rumblefish, and they were pretty good for years, but then they started getting squishy.  It's funny what you can adjust to but you get to a point where the brakes are just so bad that you can't adjust anymore, and despite repeated bleedings, the Avids just wouldn't work. Once the new XTR is in, my wife is getting that, and I was planning on getting her "hand-me-down" XT brakes, but in the meantime I threw on an old set of Avid BB7 mechanicals - and I've got to say, I'm in no rush to swap them out. They're easy to set up, and they work great and feel fantastic. I was really amused by this as I expected it would be something I would "survive" until I got the other brakes, but honestly I'm not sure i'm going to swap them out. I doubt my old Avid hydraulics are going to be used again, though.

[Sjon7283]

Today i bought à set of xtr m987 brakes @ www.hollandbikeshop.com I thinks it was à great deal for €300,- Hope they live up their expectations...

[brmeyer135]

Sjon7283 - not to ruin your day but at Merlincycles.com - in UK
You can get the 987s for US $290(strength of US dollar and they have 10% still off) - quite a bit less - not sure about other costs if you aren't in the US
and they are great brakes...they will work for most riding styles but for XC perfect.
The only difference from the new M9000 race brakes is the piston material....the new phenolic piston can supposedly resist heat 10% better.

[Pedalphil]

Running 2 sets of XT M875 and 1 set of XTR M988 - if you did not stick them on the scales you would not know which was which other than the badges.

[Ken4]

The M987 race version is extremely fragile. All it takes is one light crash on the lever and the lever piston will get jammed. Ive crashed on my M785 levers numerous times, it is bullet proof. I regret getting the M987 brakes .