CHEAP Shimano Brakes any good? MT400/ MT420 Entry Level MTB Brakes vs MT500

[@andrec.136]

I have the MT401's on my Norco Fluid with four pot calipers (BR-M420's) Rotor size is 180 and 160 front and back respectively. The bike is about 36 pounds (extra large aluminum frame and 2.6 29's ) and I am 207 pounds without gear, and these brakes are incredibly strong in my opinion.

[@hartun2010]

I agree with you, i am 95kg and still using the brakes with 1 finger only

[@list1278]

This MT 401 Brakes are better then you say. I use them since 2 years and they are great.

[@georgek1518]

I appreciate all of your reviews of parts. I have the MT401 brakes on my Giant Trance 3 and I agree they're not as powerful as the XT brakes on my Giant Trance advance 1, I find them very adequate for the the riding I do now. I'm 73 and still do 40+ miles of trails every week with my brother-in-law whose 73 also. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another bike with the MT401 brakes. Thanks for all your videos, it's the first KZbin link I click on.

[@iamcyberpunk68]

You get what you pay for dude live with it .

[@Eric-kn4yn]

420 Mt brakes I have these 4pot outstanding I'm 105kg kitted out. Pots same size across the entire shimano brake range same size pots as sram code

[@paulbernard2397]

The mt 401 is fine. If you can't brake using one finger with them on rough trails, you're probably riding above your head anyway. For the money, they're great. Why are they on a $3,500 bike? Profit. All bikes are too expensive now, with technology beyond what more than ¾'s need or would notice. Bikes have never been so good.

[@iasha740]

I use some cheap tektro hydraulic brakes similar to the shimano MT200 on my trail bike and i got used to them. Always one finger braking and at first your forearms get tired but after 2 years you get rock solid forearms and feels natural. Once I jumped on a bike with shimano XTR brakes and did a spectacular endo...

[@levente4424]

I have these ones paired with 180mm rotors, 2 years I've been hammering them in the Lakes, no problems at all. Not needed any bleeding, pads get cleaning every 1/2 year with brake cleaner, it's just perfect bang for the buck.

[@LoveMTB]

Oh yeah 💯

[@karlosp02]

Been using mt420 4 piston brakes with sm rt66 203mm disc I have 100kg, downhill, trail... best brakes ever, the only thing i hate the split pin that holds the pads can be noisy sometimes. But there is a way to thread the caliper and put alan bolt. All in all for the price veeery good brakes uswd with sm rt 66 203 disc.

[@luisla5269]

4:12 of course you measure the thinnest point of the rt26 - the point where the brake could use the least of it's potential. My bike shop upgraded my rotor from a rt54 to a rt66 and in comparison it sucks! In your comparison B01S vs Deorre you can even see the BO1S are wider. All discs about the MT56 are optimized for pads like the Deorre, Saint,... where the calipers are actually designed for putting down stopping power on a small surface. The B01S-compatible brakes lose about 1/6 or 1/5 of their potential because they brake on nothing but air.

[@jasonsheridan6222]

I have a set of Shimano Deore mt420 brakes on my 2021 Devinci Marshall and they are powerful as hell! The current versions of the 400 series brakes (mt410 2-pot & mt420 4-pot) look like a nice update over the ones you are reviewing here. With I-spec EV mounting options, split clamp design and the second handlebar contact point at the base of the master cylinder. The levers I think are slightly shorter as well. My mt420s are setup for one finger braking and I couldn't imagine wanting brakes much more powerful than these. Love watching your reviews, keep em coming.

[@jasonsheridan6222]

If you get a chance to review the latest versions of these brakes I'd really like to hear what you thought.

[@TomEKvtec]

x2 for mt420 ! with good disc they work fine ! and didn't have the pump up issue all of the greater shimano have... horrible look (look old and cheap) but work better in my opinion

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

We love our mt-420s. It took some getting used to coming from mt-200s. I might have gone over the handlebars once or twice before I got used to them.🤣

[@kaedeschulz5422]

A friend from austria who works in a bike shop does see many Magura brakes with problems including his ones. He rarely saw problems with shimano brakes. That's why i hot SLX M7120 instead of Magura mt5 and i really don't regret my decision.

[@dylan-5287]

@@kaedeschulz5422 I've always been so tempted by magura brakes but shimano just makes such solid and easy to maintain brakes. Easier off just sticking with them. I've heard really good things about mixing magura calipers and shimano levers though.

[@kaedeschulz5422]

@@dylan-5287 The calipers are THE problem on Magura brakes😅 I just stick with Shimano. Same onnthe drivetrain apart from the cassette in the case of an HG freehub.

[@dylan-5287]

@@kaedeschulz5422 the calipers are supposed to be excellent and super powerful. People have issues with the levers feeling flimsy and breaking in crashes, and they sure aren't cheap haha. If you're unfamiliar, lookup "shigura brakes" and see what people are saying.

[@kaedeschulz5422]

@@dylan-5287 Levers breaking because of a crash happens when you make em too tight. My friend over in Austria has problems with the calipers a lot of times in the bike shop he works in and with his own Magura brakes wich he then had enaugh of and switched back to Shimano. More powerful on short bursts yes. They don't have cooling fins like Shimano has wich causes them to get hot faster. Let's be onest. Shimano brake's have more than enough power. Just use bigger rotors.

[@vdel7418]

I have MT410 or whatever the basic Shimano brakes are that came on my 21 Kona Honzo. They're a significant upgrade from the Tektro cable disc brakes that were on my old bike. These MT410 brakes also have an I-Spec EV bar clamp as well.

[@dimitrimcintosh8858]

Me too

[@frank8278]

@@LoveMTB Hello dear sir. I have the Shimano MT201 levers with MT200 calipers. I was thinking to switch to SHIMANO BL MT4100 Levers with BR MT410 calipers. Will the difference be significant between the 2 brakes? Thank you very much.

[@frank8278]

@@LoveMTB Thank you

[@sebas00133]

Hello, I bought it a few days ago... What's your opinion after this years?

[@otisjordan5613]

My new Dartmoor Primal has these, with otherwise very good components. As soon as it arrives I'll throw Magura MT5's on there. Should be a nice upgrade

[@Martijn_Poot]

My canyon hardtail came with the mt400, so far they have been fine for xc riding in the flat netherlands. Perhaps something to replace once it gets worn out but for now totally fine

[@rafa6536]

I was going to buy MT201 but after this video maybe I will go for MT500 but I have one question, I heard that Shimano breaks with Servo sometimes quieter sometimes louder but make click noises... is it true? Nice video thanks.

[@clmfilms8103]

0:41 you can move the levers over so that you just pull the end of the lever, than adjust them so that the levers are a bit closer to the handlebars. I don't think anyone actually uses 2 fingers for these brakes anyway.

[@clmfilms8103]

@@LoveMTB true, but it makes it more comfortable for your fingers, and if you are using the levers in the middle, moving them so that you just grab the end will give you more leverage which will increase the power of the brakes. Most bikes that come with these have them set up so that your finger grabs the middle, so this is something that most people can do fairly easily to make them feel a tad bit nicer

[@DAZLIN6]

I have some of these on my winter MTB they have proved super reliable and effective. I don't want to spend big money on my winter bike.

[@Scarobike]

I have a Wheelie Bike and I actually really like MT400, the precision and the consistency of these brakes feel so great and even if it's not pretty nor ergonomic, the lever actully help with that. i've used Sram Code R and SLX and i don't like the ServoWave thing, too inconscient. So much good value for the price.

[@NineZeta]

Hi what is the difference between the MT400 and the MT200? I googled it and couldn't seem to find a clear answer. Thank you for your videos 🙂

[@NineZeta]

@@LoveMTBok that cleared it up! thank you for replying! 🙂

[@ChrisLeadley]

Is there a video on braking performance? it would be good to see how they fare in some real life scenarios.

[@dvxShoeN]

All 2piston brakes have the same braking power. From mt 200 to xtr. All use ceramic pistons in the same size. Only difference are the braking lever and better and Lighter Materials. Would you test a Mt 200 vs xtr with same braking pads and rotors on the same bike both would have same stopping Time. What makes the difference in braking power are the braking pads and a bit the rotors. On cheap brakes u have cheaper brake pads and cant buy sintered pads.

[@SprezzaturaLifestyle]

@@dvxShoeN no, neither mt200 nor 300 use ceramic pistons.

[@stasiakmtb]

@@dvxShoeN that’s not true. Calipers in higher groups differ by bigger diameter cylinder. Brakes from mt200 up to Deore m6000 doesn’t have ceramic cylinder. You mislead people.

[@dvxShoeN]

@@stasiakmtb Mt 400, MT500 and Deore use 100 percent Ceramic Pistons. My fault was mt 200 and 300. So they dont use ceramic but its the same diameter.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

I remember when I bought my first "pro" XT V-brakes (those with parallel push pivots) in the Nineties. Still have them - they are like an exhibit in the museum now. But... as much as brilliant they were then they wouldn't even [match] the current MT200s. And they are probably still more expensive! ;) I like the way the progress goes...

[@LoveMTB]

@@PrzemyslawSliwinski one of my friends still has a set of those 😊

[@joen3992]

Shimano MT200 is a brake found on 2k bikes from Trek, Specialized, GT etc. They in my view on a mountain bike are dangerous! I've used the MT400 with 180mm rotors from and rear. You don't sweat when you brake ha ha. Love to find a MT500 but in Canada.....wish upon a star.

[@battlecry_mtb1557]

I had a set of the 401 not the 4 pistons and they were great yes the levers were big and were harder to do 1 finger braking with but they stopped more than adequately and felt good either 160mm rotors front and back

[@1chikin]

I change my MT-200 (thinks is alike mt-400), because is bleed oil our of the lever, try to repair but i think is One piece sealed. So change my brakes to BT-t615, Deore old model, for the same price, i think is a better option quality-price. Great review!

[@MrLeovdmeer]

They are all good brakes. It is dependant on the type of ryding that you do. That makes them powerefull enough for your style.

[@Iggy52]

I agree. They do the job for regular trail riding without super long high-speed descends.

[@robertvastag7579]

I have the Shimano 400s with resin 180 discs made in china. All this on a fischer ebike, with brose motor. Driving cc 50 KM per day in sun, rain, snow, mud, urban-offroad-forest-mountain...you name it i ride it :D I just made a 40 Euro 2disc-2Pads 100 ml Oil order. Plus i did change the pads 2 years ago. So 50 Euro in 5 years. Even with a heavy e-bike heavy backpack 50 khmh downhill this brakes work just super. If you set them all good. Actually they was blocking the wheels to easy, so i had to soften the pressing power a bit, especially on the front wheel. In the future i plan to replace them for something more quality. That is maybe just for a longer lifespan of the system, comfort, fancy.... not the efficiency. People who say the pads are small, or the disc to cheap are right maybe ( not in my opinion ), but if it is set good, works super. Would i recommend it VS. something 10x better? No. Just if you are a cheapass dude like me. However if they come with a bike, do not hesitate at all. If it is set good, you gonna have excellent brakes. At least for a while. I Guess they need more maintenance and pad-disc change. 50$ in 5 years i would never replace them with a 500$ per year supergear.

[@robertvastag7579]

In Short: If they come with a bike just take it, it works fine for 90% of the people driving "normal" you can replace it later. For 10% PROs or bike fanatics...just buy something for 1000$. If you build a bike from parts, well i would go for something better. The cheapest can not be the best right? cheers

[@Perception_]

As the MT500 are hard to find right now(I want to order as a complete set front + rear), I will simply bump up to the M6100 as I feel those are the most bang for the buck right now. I only have a commuter bike where there are no serious braking involved, so the M6120 with 4-pistons will just be overkill, which is why the step down will be my best choice right now.

[@mrdre9241]

I have 180 mm mechanical disk brakes on my fat bike, couldn't slow down fast enough, and had an accident. now I want to upgrade to hydraulic brakes to prevent further crashes, any suggestions?

[@minnesotasteve]

Looks like the MT500 brakes have been replaced with M6100, although they look like these MT500 so maybe not much changed? The MT401 lever has been replaced with an M4100 lever which is Ispec-EV compatible, otherwise looks similar. I was looking at replacing my MT200 brakes, trying to decide which and saw this older video.

[@LoveMTB]

Yes you are correct, Shimano's re-using existing designs especially for the non-series brakes.

[@dylan-5287]

I just replaced my mt401 front brake with a 4 piston Zee. I can finally lock my wheel up haha! Crazy how much better it is. Your video on installing new brakes made it super easy! Definitely subscribed.

[@SH-ig6rd]

Hi, I'm thinking of doing this too. Did you keep the rear brake the same? If so, is it strange having 2 different levers?

[@dylan-5287]

@@SH-ig6rd yeah I left the back brake with the m401. Only did the front at first thinking maybe I'll do the back next but it's actually a pretty good setup. The 2 piston works for the back but up front I wanted a lot of power, enough to where I can lock up the wheel and stoppie if wanted. Any more power in the back isn't really necessary since the tire just skids, can't really get much more out of it without a more grippy tire. I got along really quickly with the different levers too, I thought that might be weird but I don't even notice on the trails. Kinda modeled it off the magura brakes where the front is 4 piston and back 2. That zee brake is crazy powerful, that thing will stop you on a dime but has way way more modulation than the 2 piston shimano brakes.

[@SH-ig6rd]

@@LoveMTB my bike came with 401/420's. The rear brake seems to do the job but not the front so thinking I would just change the front. @Dylan said he doesn't mind the lever difference. I guess I would do the rear too at a later date, if it felt weird.

[@enriquewatchu210]

In the Philippines, these non-series brakes are used for trails lol and they’re actually reliable.

[@algimantaspeciulis6203]

16 kg bike 77kg rider with mt200 180 rotors front and back, flat stopping is okay but downhill is lacking a bit.

[@rjahn3000]

Have have 2021 Giant Trance...it has the MT420 front and the MT410 4 piston rear with 180mm rotors. I actually like the resin pads and they seem to work fine I ride in dry desert conditions. If I ever upgrade I will go with SLX . Cheers.

[@tduic]

I've been riding M390, which is probably even worse than this, for 6 years now, on every possible type of terrain, I'm 90-100 kg, the only problem was on long steep downhills, otherwise totally acceptable brakes. Not a pro/elite rider but not a beginner too. I always brake with one finger. I know that if I downgraded from SLX/XT to M390 or similar I would be disappointed, but I didn't, so it's fine. And they are rock solid. Ok, the levers rattle a bit. :)

[@tduic]

@@LoveMTB Yeah, no issues whatsoever with servicing, bleeding etc. It just works.They eat B01S pads like crazy, but the pads are so cheap, I don't care. SM-RT 56 rotors, >17000 km, only second set.

[@Zrvsgiorgos]

Are they good for a wheelie bike? I am just gonna use them to brake during wheelies, nothing more. Will they be good?

[@kalamarmatus]

I have these mt400. I am 85kg weight and they do a good job but in longer descent they lost power. I want to upgrade to metalic pads but u need to change also rotors. And when u want to change rotors and have all together compatible the only way is to replace complete brakes. (E.g. RT70 has different width - could be some vibrations if u use same brake pads) I change to 6120 and they are awesome. 180mm front and rear, cooling pads very good job One negative for all shimano brakes is that they are using mineral oil and it in winter condition change bite point.

[@hindesite]

As it happens, my replacement 6120s are intransit right now, to replace the MT400s currently on my bike. The original bike is converted (CYC Photon) and I have a number of long and steep hills that I regularly ride where even with a 203 rotor the T400s are quite enough. So, we shall see.

[@LoveMTB]

You get the Servo Wave on top, not much else...

[@moussaouiaabdi78]

How thick are the wheels?

[@sgg863g]

is shimano mt 420 good?

[@fdksdk4843]

Hello, do you have a video showing how to adjust the brake meaning tight or loose. I have POLYGON Heist x7 which has Shimano 400 brake.

[@LoveMTB]

Check out my channel for brake how-tos, have a few. Not sure what you're asking

[@fdksdk4843]

I got the new bike which has Shimano 400 hydraulic breaks and they feel loose when I press the lever so wondering how to tighten them unlike the mechanical break you could tighten the wire.

[@LoveMTB]

@@fdksdk4843 Look at these videos, no wire but...kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5aYYXZ7bJl0aJI and more complete - kzbin.info/www/bejne/opfcmaCbp9GkgJo

[@rheinking2754]

I have the Shimano 420s with 4 pot calipers. Yes the levers look cheap. I replaced the even more cheaper looking rotors with icetech rotors, so now people think I'm riding XT at first glance. But I will say the 420s are still damn strong brakes for my EMTB!

[@marthamryglod291]

I'm going to upgrade from mt200 on my ebike. Would you recommend the 420 or should I get something even better?

[@rheinking2754]

@@marthamryglod291 The 420 is a good brake just make sure you get the 4 piston version of the callipers

[@newttella1043]

Maybe Norco could not get nicer brakes due to parts shortage. World Tour roadies are running mtb brake xtr disc rotors perhaps for that reason too.

[@anticyclingclub]

i had a shop install these recently and they have been nothing but problematic, probably in part because the shop i've been going to has been declining in workmanship and quality ever since i started going there but i can't think of any possible way that they could mess up the same brakes 4 times in a row after going through 2 sets of calipers they would still leak fluid and cause an extremely annoying squeak and lack of braking power.

[@LoveMTB]

Shimano quality is not what it used to be either…

[@kbeightyseven1783]

*If the calliper doesn’t have ceramic pistons it’s not recommended to use sintered pads*

[@phil5073]

I have mt420 quads as my first hydraulic brakes and now i am planning to replace the levers with very tight budget. What lever you can suggest? I am eyeing to slx levers. Tnx.

[@LoveMTB]

You have this video for reference I would go Deore levers - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXyYh5hri8yWbqs

[@phil5073]

@@LoveMTB thanks

[@AlinB1108]

Been on the 520/501 brakes for a couple months and they’ve been great. I’m coming from 2015 xtr and don’t feel like they’re a lesser brake. Maybe the 520 has a bit more initial bite and a bit less modulation.

[@drmoynihan]

5:20 And now the clip has gone into that place in my garage where it will never be seen again in my lifetime. My old trek hardtail came with cheap tektro cable disc brakes which broke and the cheap shimano hydraulic replacements are just perfect for my Daily Rider. BTW - when did $100 become cheap?!!!!!!! However, my Commnecal FS came with really nice SRAM brakes which I am very happy with.

[@amelb6533]

got 400-s recently they are pleanty good for (imo) 98 % and more riders , i am owerall strong i will use them with one finger no problem ( 95 kg 192 cm ) , 4 pistons in front and 2 back with 180 mm disc

[@thijsbesselink]

Got these on my Scott Scale 930. Replaced the discs with floating ones. Shortening the hoses is super easy and I like the levers as I mostly use 2 vingers anyway. I like them and as a light xc rider on challenging trails they will do the job well.

[@hardtailflo4807]

I used These brakes on my enduro bike on Black trails in a bikepark for 3 days in a row and the worked totally fine (mt420)

[@sanadanosa]

Bought the M4100 brakeset 6 months ago for around 80 bucks. Basically the same brake as this but with I-Spec EV and nicer look IMO. I have it on my bike with RT66 rotor and I can say, I can't feel any difference compared to when I was using RT56. These brakesets are great for commuter/hybrid/entry level MTB and it is definitely better and more comfortable to use than the much more popular three-finger MT200.

[@LilDawe]

On my old bike I was used to V-brakes. I bought older Xc bike with mt-400s resin pads and 160mm rotors. IT was big jump in power, but as I got more and more confident on agressive downhill trails I upgraded to 180mm rotors and sintred pads, but power Increased by like 30% and now I really think to change brakes completely for something better. For Light Xc really good price/power, but on longer trails (1km +) or longer descents (over 5min) they fade quickly and you need 2 fingers, which causes me arm pain. I use it with sm-rt 64. Btw can you recomment me some great brakes for trail/enduro riding, but not too expensive? Around 90Eur

[@MikeinCC]

I'm using SRAM knock-off (oil slick) G3 rotors with an MT-400 caliper and they work good...with careful rotor bedding. New B01S resin pads mated with new rotors and properly bedded. If you don't bed them properly the rotors will howl.

[@MikeinCC]

@@LoveMTB I'm in AZ and don't ride in wet at all, so I don't know if the will rust. I purchased these cheapos because they looked cool. If they don't work out I'll switch to better rotors.

[@rondg2]

can't use the wide-track calipers on narrow-track rotors coz it'll try to wear down a wider track on the narrow rotor, so it'll eat the metal at the "arms" of the rotor

[@rondg2]

@@LoveMTB of course they'll rub. the pad is wider than the rotor by about 2mm. so the wear will concentrate at the tip of the "arms" right before the braking surface. it'll dig a groove

[@jericoperez6386]

Which one is better braking power m6100 or mt500?

[@gregorj1979]

I have the mt-420s front and rear with metallic pads. they work fine. At one time I changed one lever to 501, but ditched that one because I could not get it to work consistently. I always had to pump it first to get any bite. And also re-bleeding didn't help. maybe there was something wrong with the lever.

[@amandajane8227]

I use only one finger with mine. The problem that gives me is that sometimes I hit the gear shift instead of the brake and so go faster instead of slower. Maybe having to use 2 fingers might get my brain working correctly.

[@hansonwang2121]

I shivered every time you touched the rotors and pads.

[@hansonwang2121]

@@LoveMTB I agree that it's fine to touch the rotors (still it makes me flinch) since they don't absorb oils and can be cleaned. However, it's a pain to try and degrease pads, even then they never come out as good as new.

[@FightFilms]

@@hansonwang2121 Why do you have greasy fingers?

[@hansonwang2121]

@@FightFilms You do realize everyone has oils on their skin right? That little bit is enough to seriously contaminate your pads. Just touching your pads with your fingers can have serious consequences, and when some pads can cost upwards of $50 a pair that's not a risk I want to take.

[@Asthbendriel]

@@hansonwang2121 haha dude, this are certainly not $50 a pair, these hardly cost $15 for *both* brakes, it's not that really serious.

[@hansonwang2121]

@@Asthbendriel True, while these pads aren't that expensive but getting any contaminants on them can cause serious problems. Don't believe me? Try touching your pads they will squeak like crazy and you will feel they don't have as much bite.

[@westernsavonaemtbing]

Hi, on my Cube eMTB I have the original Shimano BR-MT420 (4 pistons) caliper with BL-MT401 lever. I'm not satisfied at all about the lever that I'm using with just one finger, but sometime with difficulties, especially on long descents. I've planned to change the levers with XT BL-M8100. Have you have ever tried this combination (MT420 with BL-M8100)? Thanks for any suggestion you can give me...

[@mstvir]

I am using MT200, M7100 and M8100 and unlike many people in the comment section I can tell difference. MT200 feels like it's literally low end mechanical brake M7100 feels like a good brake with great stopping power(at least for XC riding) M8100 feels like it can read my mind, unlike M7100 I am able to apply as much pressure on the brakes as I want, while M7100 will go from something like not engaged to 60-70% engaged, with M8100 I can apply 10-20-30-...-100% engagement depending how much I need on the particular section.

[@SprezzaturaLifestyle]

@@LoveMTB can you explain? old servo wave in slx and new servo wave in xt calipers/levers?

[@Rawkus919]

Could the 501 lever run the cheap 4 piston calipers?

[@dcasandman]

I just bought a chisel that I’m building for Leadville. I’ve went pretty all out on components except changing the mt4100 brakes. I do have super nice 180 rotors by sram. Wondering if I should just eat it and get brakes too.

[@bryanjohnson665]

I have MT400's and mainly ride XC and find they work well. I am 6'5" 235 lbs and never felt I was being held back by the brakes. I set them up for one finger operation and have no issue with thier stopping power. 180mm and 160mm rotor front and rear and resin pads. Never tried SLX or XT brakes so I have no reference to how much better they may be. Its all relative. I remember riding my same trails with cantilever brakes and when side pull came out, it was a night and day difference. Now with disc, even lower end models, its another night and day difference. But yeah, on a carbon $2000k bike, one would except higher end brakes. Maybe it is a supply issue as shimano components at all levels are not widely available.

[@MrDistill]

Another great in depth comparison and review. Your videos catalog is really a trove of information.

[@ionut.h]

Hi, I bought an EMTB that came with the MT420 breaks. They work fine but hate the lever. Could I just change the leaver to a Deore or SLX and eventually change the rotor + metalic pads?

[@JonasMCM]

Are they lighter than Xt?

[@AmvC]

There are minute differences in performance between the two (400 and 500). Get the SLX levers to the 420 calipers and you have a great, money-saving system. When you have 4 digits to go for trickstuff-stuff, you will notice a clear difference :) But then, those trickstuff brakes put 99% of the braking systems out there to shame in terms of stopping power.

[@spongebobers17]

How about mixing mt400 caliper with m6000 lever? Will it improve stopping power significantly? I've found on local marketplace and it costs cheaper 😁

[@tigerbalm666]

Which Shimano is better than my Tektro M275 on a budget?

[@12Burton24]

BL-MT401 is Brake Lever and not the mineral oil dont know if i understood you wrongy but sounded for me like you call the number the mineral oil number.

[@bubukranginang1058]

Does the 420 can use icetech pad? I decide to upgrade my brake with it or 520 to push my budget

[@radincerny5013]

I had to buy new brakes and as I needed them quickly and cheaply, I had to go for BR-MT400 (Original brakes were Avid Elixir 5 and I damaged 2 important screews). I feel that MT400 are a little worse then Elixir 5, but it is no big deal in my case. I ride XC and only use brakes heavily once per day. They smell, even the caliper is hot, but my "downhilling" has like 20% descent for 2 minutes and my speed is around 5kmh. Not more. In this case MT400 are acceptable. If anyone does longer downhilling, I recommend to invest and buy something better. Deore or XT for example. I have always been wondering why Shimano produces so many different types of MTB brakes. I believe that MT400, Deore/XT and XTR would be enough for all.

[@johnpaulestiamba358]

I wonder if you can make a content about replacing the Mt420 quad brake lever into deore, slx, or xt. Is it compatible? Thanks sir

[@johnpaulestiamba358]

Oh sorry man, thanks by the way

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Another great and informative video thanks. Your videos are the go to for any MTB questions or needs.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

@@LoveMTB Your much to modest. LOL. "off topic question" I want to build a HT-01 Brand X up like you did a while back. Just love that bike. Question I have is the largest frame available is 19" from CRC. I'm 6'1 based on your frame and height do you think a 19" frame would fit me?? I have never had a frame that size usually 20.5 to 21". Thanks so much in advance.

[@kevinborovsky3558]

@@LoveMTB Ah thanks so much for getting back to me so soon. I like a 60mm stem and have that on my other 2 bikes. I'm just leery about the 19" frame as a taller rider with normal body proportions. Its just your bike looks so great. Oh decision time!!!

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

I've been using mt-200 brakes on one bike, they use the same calipers, and master cyl as mt-400, but have steel levers instead, the 400's use aluminum, differences in weight was minimal, I like the long lever length of the mt-200, it gave me better reach for getting past Sram nx/gx twist shifters. I also have SLX and Deore disc brakes, and funny but I didn't notice a huge downgrade in braking power using the mt-200. I use them all 1 finger or 2 finger depending on how hard I'm braking. That said, if there is little difference in power, maybe my SLX need bled? Or maybe I don't push the braking envelope like pros would. I plan to keep using the mt-200 until the pistons leak, stick, or I snap off a lever or something.

[@thedownunderverse]

Can BH90 hose be used with the MT401's? I am converting a drop bar gravel bike to flat bar, and would like to re-use the hose (and flat mount calipers) already installed on the bike. I have done my own research and I notice that the MT401 levers are available bundled with either a 2-pot caliper (comes with BH-59) or a 4-pot caliper (comes with BH-90). Assuming the internals of the lever are the same (which I'm pretty sure they are), the lever should work with a GRX flat mount brake caliper (via BH-90 hose). Appreciate any confirmation by someone who may know for sure.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@LoveMTB Thank you, I reckon I’ll give this a go! 👌🏻🙏🏻

[@benmillns8976]

I'm using M4100 levers, which are the newer version of these. Same lever, but two piece I Spec EV clamp with the extra contact point on the bars. I find them OK, but I am using them with M615 and M6000 calipers which probably helps with the performance. Maybe slightly unrelated, but I'm wanting to make the jump up to XTR brakes and the 2 piston M9100 doesn't have servowave either. They also use smaller pads that I believe are the same that their road brakes use. I think the 4 pot XTR would be overkill for my XC hardtail, but I'd like servowave.

[@bensonc627]

My CAD$2000 aluminum hard tail bike came with even cheaper mt200 brake. I put in metallic pad and center line rotor and it work fine for me(190lb, weekend warrior type rider). Will upgrade later when it's time

[@bensonc627]

@@LoveMTB totally understand. Will upgrade once those stock parts wear out.

[@Gleeleeglee]

Doesn’t the semi-metallic pads heat up the calipers more so than resin?

[@bensonc627]

@@Gleeleeglee I have no over heat issue even after extensive down hill. I am talking about going down 200m + mountain in less than 20min

[@arefinlabib4630]

I am so glad that you made this video, I was thinking of upgrading my deore mt-501 two pistons on my commencal meta am 29 right away, but this video settles it for now. I can save up more money over time to get something better later this year or the next year.

[@sandertakkenberg1197]

Just buy the 4piston 520 calipers and swap them! You might save a lot!

[@PETYBOY88]

can i put the m6120 caliper on a mt200 lever?

[@jayaraju1217]

How much did it cost you??

[@pedrorocha-pt]

After seeing your video made me realize that bike manufactures are badly building bikes these days to save costs, A Scoot Scale 940 (an entry level 2021 carbon bike 2000€) came with MT200 brakes and RT10 rotors, WTF are RT10 rotors!!! I didn't even realize they existed. They are very BAD compare with the Deore M6000 brakes I've on my other FS bike. MT200 and MT400 brakes shouldn't came built on mountain bikes, the minimum the MT500. But it depends on the rider, I'm fast XC rider and when riding the Scoot Scale 940 I don't trust the brakes, I will exchange the braking system as soon as possible to an SLX M7100 or XT M8100. Thanks for the excellent informative videos

[@TheElysium95]

Hello, I have a lot of confusion regarding the Shimano entry models and hopefully you can help me. The Mt200 model belongs to the Altus Series?. If so, does the mt400 belong to the Alivio series? Which model then belongs to the Acera series? I have saved brakes and your model is M315, which Series do they belong to?

[@TheElysium95]

@@LoveMTB I just want to know which series of shimano each brake model belongs to, it is a bit confusing and I would just like to understand

[@killgates9890]

I filed new broader metall pads 1mm on each side, and using the original spring between pads on my older narrower deeper modell. Did not find right metall ones here. It works crazy good only lack of modulation with only two pots but i always use one finger under the brakelever to fix that....

[@nidhoggr13]

Fully agree with the video. My Scott Scale 930 got those brakes and I almost immediately swapped them for a set of Formula Cura2 and Galfer discs. The MT400 were ridiculously weak and cant be considered for serious mountainbiking. My trailbike is using the MT520/MT500 front/rear und they are great for the money, the MT400 are so much worse with the lever and no servowave. Norco cant be serious on putting those brakes on a hardtail for over 3000€, eben if it is the 4-piston version.

[@jt71085]

I use MT200 with 3 finger lever with slx disc F+R on my Bike to Work. They work great. But they have no servowave... And you feel this.

[@eyeyey249]

I use mt500's for downhill and they're perfect

[@SprezzaturaLifestyle]

500 or 520? 2 piston for downhill?

[@paul-sm3wh]

Can I mix a sram crank with everything else shimano. Any ideas bro I need help. ???

[@mstvir]

Sure. Just know that depending what chainring you use you might not enjoy hyperglide+ fully, although I am not sure how much that matters in 1x, narrow wide setup.

[@paul-sm3wh]

@@LoveMTB I’m running a 2x9 square tapper bog standard shimano drive chain and the bottom brackets gone so I’m slowly going to upgrade to all sram but can only afford to start at the cranks.

[@paul-sm3wh]

@@mstvir thanks bro

[@jimmyconway8442]

Hello, cheap shimano brakes should not be used with XT disc. Shimano does not recommend this combination either. Based on my own experience, it causes problems after some time - due to the uneven brake pads usage, it generates weird sound, and braking power is lower in comparison with standard disc (as mentioned in video - XT disc is more narrow, resin pads are wider)

[@EdgeOfDarkness86]

To be fair cheap Shimano disc brakes should not not be used on any mtb for any reason

[@jimmyconway8442]

@@EdgeOfDarkness86 some people comute to work with mtb bike :D they dont need SLX or better brakes :D

[@Downhillfromhere23]

Hey, just revisited this video as i just got a new bike, it came with 420 so the two piston callipers. I had the shop put my SLX on but now thinking that maybe using the SLX LEVERS with the 2 pot calliper would be better than the SLX single pot??? What are your thoughts?

[@Downhillfromhere23]

@@LoveMTB hey man, yes sorry i meant would i get better performance using my slx lever with the 420 calliper?

[@akafoxmd]

Thank you man again for useful videos as usually. Why don’t you review SRAM brakes? Do you use it in general? I think this content is really missing at your channel. Especially comparison of Shimano and SRAM.

[@akafoxmd]

@@LoveMTB well that would be awesome to hear your personal opinion why you don’t like them and what problems we can come across. That would be really informative.

[@akafoxmd]

@@LoveMTB oh that’s really helpful, thx

[@peteturner8493]

You're right the manufacturer cutting costs on vital component(s) - I'm stuck with a similar setup as the discs are integral to the wheels more cost cutting, but the brakes are fine for my touring bike & cheap to replace as I recently found out having been supplied with a faulty front shimino caliper on a new Cube ebike.

[@peteturner8493]

@@LoveMTB Yes bike industry caught out by high demand, but low end components on mid ranged bikes goes down like a lead ballon...

[@peteturner8493]

@@LoveMTB Oh no! :)

[@ricardogaona2818]

Great video! Would you replace the MT420 4 pistons with a M6100 2 pistons breaks? would it it be a good brake upgrade for all mountain bike?

[@SprezzaturaLifestyle]

Why would anyone downgrade from a 4 piston to a 2 piston caliper? Especially because both MT420 and M6100 are Deore level. The only difference is that the MT420 usese resin and the M6100 ceramic pistons. Makes a difference of 10% braking power according to shimano compared to the 4 piston M6120. SInce the M6100 is only 2 piston it has even less braking power than the MT420. Changing that would be a downgrade and stupid !

[@ricardogaona2818]

Gregg try and

[@Startekselva]

keep posting more review man i love it

[@killer_bro_empireitsme3613]

What pads do I use to replace them

[@Nickskis22]

Mine came with resin. Read the disc it should tell you if you should use resin or metal pad.

[@ivanmtb00]

I also have MT400 brakes, I always 1 finger brake and feel like it is enough for my riding. Then I saw a video that shows you can upgrade the 400’s with a lever from the higher end Shimano brakes. Which makes them much better. I’m tempted to getting some levers but I’m also thinking of just going with some Deore brakes all around. Any insight?

[@ivanmtb00]

@@LoveMTB thanks for the reply!

[@ivanmtb00]

@@LoveMTB I ordered the Deore 6120 as per your review. I also went with a bigger 203mm rotor up front. Thank you!

[@Electric_Heaven]

My friend what 4 piston brakes can you advise for electric scooter that can reach 100km/h

[@Electric_Heaven]

@@LoveMTB what would you advise , which one has optimum ratio price- quality?

[@adamneulander]

I have mt401 on my trail bike, I'm eyeing magura mt5s right now...

[@adamneulander]

@@LoveMTB I'd say so, lots of power.

[@vojvoda9060]

Nice chosing

[@Downhillfromhere23]

Hey, great information as always, so glad I went for the SLX’s, now fitted and giving way more confidence with a larger 180m disk on the front! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@william_2610]

Shimano brakes in general are powerful and reliable but it does still annoy me to see these specd on such expensive bikes (especially when they have deore 12 speed or something- 10 is fine!) On my budget hardtail build (and the preceding one) the brakes were the thing I spent as much as I could on (m7100) That's even over a fork, because control over your speed is the most important thing you can have. For 'real' riding I wouldn't take anything below deore / mt500. Cheaper ones will 100% work but you're not going to be getting the full power and control that lets you push your riding skills. That's especially true when you have new riders where vague feeling brakes limit confidence.