Shimano SLX BR-M7120 Disc Brake and Lever - Front

Better, bigger, faster, and back again for another round of everyday stopping power, Shimano's workhorse SLX BR-M7120 Disc Brakes are eager to hit the dusty trail, blasting berms, and stopping on a dime. This brake set was launched in conjunction with Shimano's new 12-speed group, and sees a slew of updates to keep it in the now. It packs in 4 calipers for serious stopping power on steep enduro trails, plus a new level design that offers a refined I-Spec EV mounting system to keep your cockpit as tidy as can be.

The new SLX brakeset takes inspiration from its XT and XTR siblings, losing a little weight, while ipping performance. Shimano claims the new lever alone is 10% stiffer than XT M8000-series, even under high temperature conditions, meaning you've got quicker brake engagement, with shorter free stroke than ever before. In addition to the extra stiffness in the lever itself, the mounting system ads an extra touch point which increases over all stability of the lever for a better bracing angle and more supported feel. On the rear end of things, the 4-piston caliper has faster reaction time than before, and is designed to reduce brake rotor wobbling noise, while increasing braking power a whopping 10% above XT-M8000 — a big claim coming from the more cost-effective brakeset.

The brakes continue with the streamlined master cylinder design we saw in the previous SLX brakes, which saves weight on the caliper body. The slimmer clamps on the bars continue utilizing Servo Wave cam system, with improved power and responsiveness when you give them a squeeze as you head down a steep into a sharp, unexpected switchback. And with 4-pistons, the M7120 offers greater confidence and control when things get steep and wild.