SRAM vs. Shimano Brakes (MTB Disc Brake Ultimate Comparison)

0:00 Intro
0:55 Feel and Modulation
3:45 Models Per Riding Discipline
6:23 Price and Feature Comparison
9:11 Mechanic Friendliness
11:12 DOT Fluid vs Mineral Oil
12:36 What Sucks, What's Good
15:57 Jeff's Preference

SRAM vs. Shimano mountain bike disc brakes...is one better than the other? Rather than pick one, we put together the most detailed guide on the planet comparing the top MTB disc brakes from both brands. In this video, we cover pricing, weight, ride feel, mechanic friendliness, and so much more! Shimano has long been known for their powerful Saints and XT lineup, whereas SRAM is more known for the Code, G2, and Level lineup of brakes. With so many amazing options, how will you know which is right for you and your bike? Fear no more, this video will help you through the buying process. If you are in the market for new mountain bike brakes, we highly recommend that you watch this first!

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#sram #shimano #brakes

[WorldwideCyclery]

Let the debate begin...SRAM or Shimano brakes?

[abhishekjmadan]

Why is the last section called Jeff's Preference, and not just Jefference

[isaachiga]

I keep a few bubbles in my Shimanos to make it feel like Srams

[janbojarski]

main reason why I'd go with Shimano: Sram in Polish literally means "I am shitting" and that makes me feel weird xD

[frakafrocka]

The bike companies make it so hard to figure out the differences between their own products at times. It’s strange that they are so bad at explaining their products. Thanks for this vid. You did a Lot of research. Thank you.

[braddehaven]

Best explanation of brake difference I have ever seen or heard.. 5 stars sir

[Gworan]

I've had Sram X0, then on my next bike I had Sram Guide R, then I switched to Shimano XT M8020, and I'm never going back to Sram... Main difference for me - the shimano brakes require sooo much less force on the lever. For short descends it's negligible, but for 30-40 minute descends the shimanos win, no arm pump at all. And easier to bleed.

[Pienimusta]

Get budget brakes (e.g. MT400 from Shimano), no fear of going OTB if there is no braking power to begin with. Also amazing "modulation" when there is no final stopping point for the brake.

[cow]

I've ridden both pretty heavily. SRAM tended to fade alarmingly quickly (even when new). Shimano is a bit abrupt at first but holds well on longer descents. I rode my buddy's bike down a short run, which had TRP brakes, and I fell in love...

Edit: I still ride Shimano brakes. They’ve been reliable and metallic pads are the way to go. I’ve seen several people struggle with SRAM unreliability…

[peaohvee]

The Code here is that you cant rely on Guide's to make sure that the trail is Level, but If you have a Saint, all is well n good and you can have some Hope. :)

[Gamingoodz]

I have Sram on my bike atm because they came with them but I love the lever feel of Shimano SLX, XT, and XTR MUCH MORE.

[mosxidigaming]

Welp, seems like I'll be spending *_18 minutes in the toilet..._*

[David]

I recently replaced my Sram Code REs with whimano SLX 4 piston brakes and they're so much better. No spongyness and the modulation is also easy to handle.

[Evertb]

Maybe it's just me, but I find my Shimano brakes (xtr) very easy to bleed. No problems at all.

[adammikesaliasfreshprince]

I´m the guy, who rides Shimano Saints on the XC with 100 mm of travel :D It´s great to have ridiculous power under your finger.

[jasonlewis]

I have the Shimano xtr trail brakes on my hardtail. And Shimano zee on my full suspension bike. the xtr unbelievable stoping power never ever had brakes like them.

[AeronN]

Excellent video, I've used SRAM Code, Level and Guide recently as well as Shimano SLX, XT and now Zee on my Specialized Enduro. For me it's the Shimano brakes - less arm pump, nicer bite, seems like more power also. The only other brake I've used that seems to match the ferocity of the Zee's is the Hope V4 brakes (which are also phenomenal - but rather pricey). I got my Zee's for £140 total front and rear and I couldn't be happier with them

[UltimateMTB]

Perfect timing on this video, I literally just watched your TRP quadiem brake review and then this video pops up!

[richarde]

Absolutely perfect video! Enough detail and content, well-paced, and not too long! And, your comparisons between the competing models is incredibly helpful! The comments about the changes in SRAM is reassuring, too.

[JaHui]

I use sram on my mtb and Shimano on my roadie. I like the gradual modulation when going down trails, but often times appreciate the responsiveness of Shimano on the road dodging cars and oblivious people on paved trails.