Shimano Saint HIdraulik

Model Number: BL-M810
Series: SAINT
Brake Compatibility: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Hydraulic Fluid: Shimano mineral oil
Brake Hose Type: SM-BH80-SB
Brake Lever Size: 1.5-finger
Brake Lever Material: aluminum
Brake Lever Finish: anodized
Bracket Material: aluminum
Bracket Finish: painted
SERVO WAVE Action Power Adjuster: yes
Reach Adjuster: tool-free reach adjustment
Average Weight: 266g (pair)

Shimano Saint Rear Brake 203mmModel Number: BR-M810
Series: SAINT
Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Compatible Brake Lever: BL-M810
Brake Pad Types: D02S Metallic
Hydraulic Fluid: Shimano mineral oil
Brake Hose Type: SM-BH80-SB
Caliper Mount Type: IS Post-type
Caliper Material: aluminum
Caliper Finish: painted
Piston Type: Opposed 4-piston
Average Weight: 162g

For 2009, Shimano claims to have brought the weight down, increased modulation and increased power for the 203mm Saint hydraulic brakes. While they are lighter and more powerful, the modulation on these huge stoppers is terrible. I was having difficulty controlling them on the trail with a distinct on/off feeling. As you move through the lever’s stroke, you get nothing…nothing…ON! The ON is full lockup as you try to control the front end from sliding out. All of that power is great out of a dh/fr marketed brake, but if it is not controlled…it is dangerous and a huge annoyance on the trail. I found that these brakes really got in the way on loose sections and slow tech obstacles. Feathering the brakes just wasn’t an option for slow speed maneuvers.

I tried everything to try to get these brakes to modulate better but the free stroke adjustment felt like it did nothing. I even had a couple other riders throw a leg over the bike just to make sure that I wasn’t insane, and every one of them almost went over the bars because of how grabby these brakes are. Compared to my Hope V2 Moto’s, these brakes have a long way to go in the modulation department, and modulation on hydraulic braking systems is where all of your control comes from.

To make matters worse, I could not get the front brake to shut up. It would howl loudly under braking and while it was making noise…braking was even more inconsistent. After numerous adjusting attempts and checking rotor alignment…I still couldn’t get it to stop.

The levers, on the other hand, felt great if you could ignore the lockup. The reach adjustment is extremely easy to use and the lever allows for true one finger braking. I would like to see Shimano adapt a 2 bolt mounting system over the current 1 bolt they are using now. 2 bolt mounted systems are easier to work with for maintenance and parts swapping.