Shimano Brakes

(170 products)

Shimano brakes cover hydraulic and mechanical disc brakes, rim brake calipers, levers, pads, rotors, hoses and the small parts that keep them working. Every Shimano hydraulic brake runs on mineral oil, and parts follow the same series names as the rest of the groupset, so a matching lever, caliper and pad is easy to find for road, gravel and mountain bikes.

Read more: disc or rim, mounts and rotors, pad types, bleeding and hoses

Disc or rim brakes

Disc brakes stop consistently in the wet and on long descents, and suit modern road, gravel and mountain bike frames with disc mounts. Rim brakes are lighter and simpler, and fit frames and forks built for calipers. Your frame decides which you can run, so check for disc mounts or a caliper bolt hole before buying.

Mounts and rotors

Road and gravel disc calipers use flat mount, while mountain bikes use post mount. Rim calipers come as dual pivot, fitted with a single bolt, or direct mount, fitted with two bolts. Adapters let a caliper run a larger rotor, and rotors fit hubs either with Center Lock splines or with six bolts.

Resin or metal pads

Resin pads are quiet, bite well from the first stop and suit most road and trail riding. Metal pads last longer and cope better with heat, mud and wet weather, but can be noisier. Some rotors are rated for resin pads only, so check the marking printed on the rotor before fitting metal pads.

Bleeding and hoses

Shimano hydraulic brakes use Shimano mineral oil, never DOT fluid, which damages the seals. A bleed refreshes the oil and restores a firm lever. Cutting a hose needs a new olive and connecting insert at the joint, plus the right hose type for your lever.

Not sure which caliper, pad or rotor fits your bike? Ask TBA Guide, our chat assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Shimano disc brake is best for a mountain bike?

For most trail riding, a two-piston Shimano brake from the Deore or SLX series gives strong, consistent stopping with easy bleeding and low running costs. Four-piston calipers add power and heat control for enduro, long descents and heavier riders, while XT and XTR save weight and add finer lever adjustment for riders who race or want the best feel.

What brake fluid do Shimano brakes use?

Shimano hydraulic disc brakes use Shimano mineral oil, never DOT brake fluid. DOT fluid attacks the seals inside Shimano levers and calipers and can cause leaks and loss of braking. Use mineral oil for every bleed and top-up, and wipe up any spill quickly, because oil on pads or rotors ruins braking until the pads are replaced.

Can I use metal pads on Shimano rotors?

You can use metal pads on Shimano rotors that are not marked for resin pads only. Many entry-level rotors carry a resin-only marking because metal pads wear them too quickly, while Ice Technologies and most mid and high-level rotors accept both. Check the text printed on the rotor before switching pad type, and bed in new pads gently.

What is the difference between flat mount and post mount brakes?

Flat mount is the disc caliper standard for road and gravel bikes, with the caliper bolted flat to the frame and fork from underneath. Post mount is the mountain bike standard, with the caliper bolted onto two threaded posts. A caliper must match your frame and fork, although adapters let either type run a larger rotor.

How often should I bleed Shimano brakes?

Bleed Shimano hydraulic brakes about once a year with regular riding, or sooner if the lever feels soft, pulls closer to the bar or the bite point keeps wandering. Riders who do long descents or ride often in heavy rain may need it more frequently. A bleed should also follow any hose cut, hose change or lever replacement.