New Four-Pot XT Brakes From Shimano

Four pistons introduced to the XT lineup

Rachael Wight

Aug 22 2017

Shimano re-adds a four-piston version of the popular XT brake caliper back to its lineup, announced today.

New More Powerful Brakes

Four-pistons were last seen on the XT level of brakes at the start of the 2000's, but they are back once again to bring a braking power boost to riders choosing this spec of brakes.

The new brake is called the M8020 and Shimano say it will offer 20 percent more power than the two-piston M8000 series version of old. Shimano is aiming this brake at aggressive trail riders and e-MTB'ers.

If you are already running two-pot M8000 XT brakes then its good news, the new M8020 brake caliper will be compatible with your existing lever.

The new calipers will become available this December they'll retail for $200 per end for the caliper and lever or for $120 for just the caliper (UK prices to be announced).

New Shorter Cranks

Shimano has also announced a 165mm XT crankset too, although it's being billed as e-bike specific. The new Hollowtech crankset is said to be more robust and will be offered the shorter 165mm length to help e-MTB riders minimize pedal strikes when smashing up hills at a fast rate! E-bikers aside, this could be a good option for shorter riders on regular bikes too.

For more details go to - www.bike.shimano.com

Author block

Previously Editor here at off-road.cc, Rachael is happiest on two wheels. Partial to a race or two Rachael also likes getting out into the hills with a big bunch of mates. In the past Rachael has written for publications such as, Enduro Mountain Bike Magazine, Mountain Biking UK, Bike Radar, New Zealand Mountain Biker and was also the online editor for Spoke magazine in New Zealand too. For as long as she's been riding, she has been equally happy getting stuck into a kit review as she is creating stories or doing the site admin. When she's not busy with all the above she's roasting coffee or coaching mountain biking in the Forest of Dean.