Deore or SLX brakes

rockmonkeysc

My Juicy seven brakes on my hardtail have had it (cracked calliper) so it's time for some new ones.
The Deore brakes get excellent reviews but is it worth the extra for SLX? They are quite a lot more expensive but are they that much better?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=67246
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=83173

bernie1973

I've got SLX and they're excellent. Not just great stoppers but indestructible and dead easy maintenance. Have to say though that at that price I'd go with the Deore. Get some ice tech rotors with the change... http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=67197

The Northern Monkey

I think the deores actually feel more powerful but don't get servo wave.

I'm over 16st and use deore with 160mm rotors front and back and have zero issues dropping, they are brilliant! Will be the last thing I upgrade anyway!!

cooldad

Can't answer that, but my son has just replaced the (older) XT's on his Spesh Enduro for the Deores, and thinks they are much, much better than the old ones.
He rides pretty hard as well.
Someone I know, who knows his stuff, has used both the new Deores and XT's and reckons that the power is pretty similar, but the XT's are lighter and easier to adjust the reach. (you need a whole allen key for the Deores)
I think the Deores do get servo wave, it's just not adjustable.

rockmonkeysc

Do the ice tech rotors and pads make any difference for normal riding? I can see it being worthwhile for alpine riding but not sure about normal XC riding.

thefartingcockeral

I would go with the Deore's for the money and all the other positives people state.

Greer_

The Northern Monkey wrote:

I think the deores actually feel more powerful but don't get servo wave.

I'm over 16st and use deore with 160mm rotors front and back and have zero issues dropping, they are brilliant! Will be the last thing I upgrade anyway!!

The Deores do have servo wave (M596's), and they're brilliant! I recently upgraded to them (got them from bike-discount.de) and the difference between them and my old brakes is incredible!

DanDax1990

Another for the Deores, Not had them for long but they're great and at a great price.

Giraffoto

Deores are perfect for me, SLX bring the possibility of finned pads and perhaps a bit less weight. I'm planning to build a new bike in a year or so and can't imagine putting anything other than Deore brakes on it at the moment

EH_Rob

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Do the ice tech rotors and pads make any difference for normal riding? I can see it being worthwhile for alpine riding but not sure about normal XC riding.

I don't think so. I ran the Icetech pads and rotors for a bit, then replaced the pads with Superstar kevlars because I didn't fancy paying £20 for a set of pads. I then got a new bike which came with non Ice-tech rotors and swapped the brakes between bikes. Haven't noticed any significant differences since.

As you say though, for longer descents they might be useful.

arigold

I freaking love my deore brakes

rockmonkeysc

Thanks. Deore it is then

arigold

I also purchased new set of shimano rt7 rotors and braking is pretty good for £100