|
Brakes
Boosters, Levers, Pads, Brake
Systems
| LEVERS:
Shimano
BL-M950 |
 The
only thing I new for sure when I started researching levers,
shifters, brakes, etc was that I didn't want integrated
shifters/levers! Having small hands, I need the option of setting
the lever and shifter positions independently. Further, you also
have the option of later upgrades to either component individually.
Though I will likely further upgrade the braking system on the bike
at some future date, Shimano
XTR seemed to be a fairly safe bet as a starting place...
And I wasn't disappointed... these levers are a huge improvement
over the stock parts. Besides better performance, feel, and fit,
they fit right into the black/gray color scheme on the bike. Check
the reviews over at mtbREVIEW
(Note: the pic on the review page is incorrect). |
 Could
not find an info page on the stock Shimano ST-EF28 integrated
levers/shifters. And since they are integrated, direct
weight comparisons are not possible.... But the overall comparisons
still tell the tale:
Shimano XTR shifters, levers and
cables: 577.10g
Shimano ST-EF28s and cables: 606.15g
So this upgrade realized the better
of everything I wanted: individual component levers and shifters,
much better performance, shaved some weight, and look wayyy better.
|
| Weight:
245.6g (w/ cables) |
Weight:
606.15g (integrated lever/shifter w/ cables) |
| BRAKE
SYSTEM: Shimano
BR-M951 |
 The
Shimano
XTR brakes are simply great. I had originally intended to go
with the Avid
Arch Supreme part, but it seems there is a small
incompatibility problem between the Arch Supreme and the Marzocchi
Z2 X-Fly shock I chose. I believe the prob can be easily
solved with the proper sized spacer, but I didn't want to take any
chances right now. No matter really, as the XTR's performance is
phenomenal in comparison to the stock part... and the matte gray
"fits" the bike perfectly. Check the reviews over at mtbREVIEW. |
 According
to the DB
Response Sport page, the stock part is by Tektro... No other
info was available, nor necessary as it turns out. This is a barely
passable consumer-grade brake, ugly, and simply not in the same
league as the Shimano
BR-M951. |
| Weight:
F/R 199.35g/199.70g |
Weight:
F/R 214.4g/213.5g |
|
