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Shimano 2007 XTR Brakeset


SHIMANO 07 XTR BRAKES:

Shimano's new 2007 XTR disc brake calipers retain Shimano's signature control through superior modulation.

The BR-M975 retains an opposed two-piston design while reducing weight - the one piece design is more compact and very stiff which results in a very precise and efficient disc brake design.

The titanium back plate on the new XTR brake pads are 12 grams lighter than current steel pads. Durability in the pad is also improved by around 50% also.

For the ultimate weight saving use international standard calipers.

Brake rotors are centre lock fit on a 5arm spider, and are available in a variety of sizes to suit various disciplines. The following rotor choices are available: 160mm / 180mm for the front or 160mm / 140mm for the rear

These brake calipers and rotors are some of the smartest machine pieces of kit available today, the calipers are clean and super light at 217g each. Titanium pad backing plates keep the weight down further. The rotors are lightweight machined alloy including a super light centre spider and the standard rotors are shimano centre lock.

These brakes don't take as long to bed in as many other competition brakes on the market. They are a fit and forget set of brakes, and power and response are all way over average, superb modulation also mean these brakes are some, if not the, best set of brakes on the market today - hence why the price as always with XTR is so darn high!!! If you can afford it you wont regret the upgrade...

SHIMANO 07 XTR SHIFTER/BRAKE UNIT:
 

Shimanos new 2007 XTR range includes an all new dual Control Lever available in disc brake and v-brake options. The new unit assembly is a compact design for lighter weight and it has been designed for Zero handlebar interference and to keep the control area clean and tidy. A new cable casing system has been used including new refined coated stainless steel cables.

An upward motion of the main lever or activation of the secondary lever will release cable using a Dual Control Lever, this has not changed. A click of the upper lever release cable, same as it always has. The difference is that however, now cable is released immediately when the lever is depressed making shifting that much faster. Now shift multiple gears in either directions using the main lever or the secondary release lever. New lower profile saves weight compared to separate shift and brake components. Choose the type of handlebar you want to use. The brake hose does not get in the way even with a very narrow handlebar. SIS-SP41 cable casing system & coated stainless steel cable for Super smooth shifting. Dual Control levers are compatible with all Shimano 9-speed rear derailleurs, but are best paired with a low normal rear derailleur.

The new shifter units are certainly a nice looking piece of kit, keeping the cockpit area of your bike tidy and clear of cable clutter. The X-branding seen across the new XTR range is also seen here on the top of the handlebar clamps - very smart. The brake levers themselves are a new shape and are raised upwards so even when you are changing gear (pushing the lever down) you are still in easy reach of braking effort. Shifting can be done simply using the brake lever that pivots up and down for higher and lower gear selection or you can use the optional multi direction shifting thumb trigger.

The whole XTR groupset for 2007 is of the highest quality and lightest but strongest materials, ok so the overall groupset is super expensive but the brakes and separate break only levers (no shifter pod incorporated) work out to be on par with the average disc set pricing, making them a superb option for the average budget.

Scott
bucksmtb.co.uk

Total price :
RRP £209.50 each brake with dual control shifter/brake lever unit [£419.00 the pair] (includes caliper, hose, rotor, fixings, brake/gear shifter combo lever unit)

RRP £157.50 each brake with separate (non shifter unit) brake lever [£315.00 the pair]
(includes caliper, hose, rotor, fixings, brake lever only)

XTR V-Brake and V-brake compatible brake levers or brake/gear dual control levers also available


Rating:
4/5 Super looks, superb braking. Fit and forget brakes. Way way way light enough for XC but powerful enough for DH. Price is a real real downer, hence why it doesn't rate 5 out of 5

From:
Available from all Shimano Dealers.