Pair of Shimano Deore XT BL-M8100 + BR-M8120 disc brakes

4-Piston

The disc braking system with a caliper with two opposed pistons of different diameters is characterized by the presence of pistons of different sizes in the front and rear. The system adopts a power transfer mode whereby the brake rotor is pressed by the smaller piston at the mouth of the disc seat and also by the larger, more powerful piston at the rear. This prevents jerking movement and significantly reduces noise. Furthermore, the 4-piston caliper guarantees a greater contact surface, keeping the dimensions compact, while the efficient positioning of the pads is adjusted to the extent necessary to stabilize the pressure. Use combined with the ServoWave lever provides an impressive 50% increase in braking power compared to the previous model.

Ice Technologies

Incorrect configuration of the disc brake rotor and pads when braking on a long descent, for example, has a negative impact on brake performance. Shimano has adopted the Ice Technologies disc brake rotor and pads to obtain a cooling technology capable of guaranteeing constant performance. The coated disc brake rotor blade, featuring 3-layer sandwich construction of stainless steel, aluminum and stainless steel, ensures better heat dispersion (400˚C to 300˚C surface temperature). The cooling fin for the pad guarantees less wear, less noise, less loss of efficiency and greater lightness.

One Way Bleeding

The “One Way Bleeding” function was developed to ensure the quick and easy prevention of air infiltration in Shimano hydraulic systems. They have optimized the entire oil circuit in the system to prevent the presence of air bubbles inside it. The one-way oil circuit, combined with a mineral oil funnel tool, ensures an easy and clean draining system.

I-Spec EV

I-Spec EV creates a clean, optimized cockpit that allows for greater focus and greater comfort for a wide range of riders.

Advantages and benefits

• The wider adjustment range allows cyclists of different styles, preferences and body sizes to find the optimal lever and control position.
• Ergonomic design, quicker lever access and smooth operation improve riding comfort and concentration.

I-Spec EV increases brake lever stiffness by moving the clamp inward to create an additional contact point between the handlebar and lever. This additional support greatly increases bike control and brake response, while maintaining a gap between the clamp and the support point for other accessories to be mounted on the handlebars.

Servo Wave Action

When you operate the Servowave brake lever, the initial cable return is quicker, so a small movement of the lever is sufficient to bring the pads into contact with the brake disc. So the power multiplication factor increases rapidly upon contact, so more lever travel is used to apply more force with higher levels of braking control.