Brakes: Shimano vs SRAM

Brakes are arguably the most important component on your bike, and with so many options it can be very hard to determine which brakeset will suit you best. Shimano and SRAM are two of the biggest competitors in the biking industry and both companies produce high end brakes for all disciplines of mountain biking. Whether you like to casually ride trails at your own leisure, or you are looking for the most stopping power while racing down a steep trail, we've got you covered here at TBS Bike Parts.

Shimano is hands down one of best and most consistent companies in the biking industry. With tons of quality product offerings, Shimano has a top-of-the-line brake for every discipline of riding. For downhill riders, Shimano offers two classes of brakes- Zee and Saint. Saint is the high-end model that many World Cup riders use on their bikes and for a good reason as it is one of the most powerful brakes on the market. Zee is the less expensive form of Saint, still providing great power and control on the hill, less a few small details such as weight and the tool-free reach adjustment. For trail riders, Shimano offers even more great options in the XTR, XT and SLX series'. XTR is the top tier for trail riding with new M9020 which features light weight, adjustable free stroke, and a powerful two-piston design. XT is essentially the less expensive form of XTR and is available in two options- M785 and M8000. The M785 is known to be one of the top brakes for it's price and in the last year, M8000 was created to up the ante even further. Although XT is a trail brake, many people use them on downhill rigs as well because of their consistency and strength. SLX also made a comeback this year with the new M7000 brakes that provides a consistent and affordable option to trail riders.

Saint - $225 per brake | XTR M9020 - $199 per brake | Zee - $149 per brake | XT M8000 - $125 per brake

SRAM has been a huge player in the industry for a long time. Their former brake line under Avid Components produced quality brakes but with a lot of hate from bikers due to squeaky brake pads and not as consistent braking power. Since then, SRAM has come out with it's own line of brakes that have taken the market by storm. The new SRAM Guide RSC Disc Brakes are one of the top brakes for downhill riding featuring 4 pistons of stopping power, tool-free reach adjustment and a super sleek black design. See what Bike Magazine has to say about the Guide brakes here. The SRAM Guide brakes are only $179 per brake which is a great deal in comparison to the price of other high-end downhill brakes such as Saint.

Don't forget to add rotors or brake pads to your next order with TBS Bike Parts!