Alongside the new SHIMANO XTR M9200 Di2 drivetrain, the Japanese component colossus is also launching the new XTR M9200 brake series, which includes three model variants. These consist of the newly developed XTR BL-M9220 brake lever and two new brake calipers – one with two pistons and one with four. The new brakes are designed to offer more consistent braking performance and better modulation. The four-piston variant is still targeted at trail and enduro applications, while the two-piston version is geared toward XC use. The four-piston brake set without rotors retails at around €620, tipping the scales at approximately 620 grams.
The New SHIMANO XTR M9200 Brakes in Detail
The most visible innovation is the XTR BL-M9220 brake lever and the revised cable routing concept. From a distance, the lever retains the classic Shimano silhouette. The pivot point of the aluminum lever has been moved closer to the handlebars, and the lever blade now features a slightly slanted shape to enhance ergonomics and finger positioning. Like its predecessor, the new lever features a tool-free reach-adjust mechanism. The dial is nicely integrated into the aluminum lever and can be easily operated even with gloves. However, there’s no bite point adjustment screw. The hose now exits the brake lever very close to the bars, which ensures an overall cleaner cockpit – but also feels a bit like an afterthought in terms of execution. Additionally, the hoses tend to rattle against the handlebars – a similar problem to that of SRAM’s early Stealth models – as they’re now positioned very close to the bars.
Another novelty is the XTR BR-M9220 caliper, which employs a four-piston layout and is specifically designed for trail and enduro use. It relies on two different piston diameters for better modulation. Shimano also introduce a new brake fluid with lower viscosity alongside the new XTR system, which is not backward compatible, as it requires different seals. The caliper itself is machined from a single piece to optimize stiffness and reduce weight.
Finally, there’s the XC-specific XTR BR-M9200 caliper, which features two plastic pistons. It’s typically paired with the XTR BL-M9200 brake lever, which features a carbon lever blade. However, the BR-M9220 caliper itself is carried over from the previous generation and has simply been updated with new seals to accommodate the revised brake fluid. It retains the old hose routing, lacks a lever-reach adjustment dial, and also forgoes the new ERGO FLOW lever. For more power, Shimano also offer the two-piston caliper with the new BL-M9220 lever, which makes up the third model variant.
SHIMANO XTR M9220 Brakes on Test
We had the chance to test the new SHIMANO XTR M9220 brakes alongside the new XTR drivetrain over several days and on two different bikes. On both test bikes, we ran a combination of the XTR BL-M9220 brake lever and the BR-M9220 caliper. In simple terms, these are Shimano’s new XTR four-piston brakes. Both front and rear brakes were paired with 203 mm Shimano Ice-Tech rotors, which remain unchanged.
Setting up the XTR BL-M9220 brake levers for the first time requires some care. Due to the slightly curved shape, the outermost part of the lever sits a little higher. Additionally, the pivot point of the lever is very close to the handlebar, and if you prefer your levers positioned further out, they extend at quite a steep angle away from the bar. This forces you to reach towards the lever from the outside, which can feel a bit unusual.
On the trail, the four-piston XTRsdeliver the strong braking performance we’ve come to expect, but it doesn’t outperform its predecessor in terms of sheer power. Shimano’s typical on/off feel remains, though the new XTR series has slightly better modulation and less of that sudden, aggressive bite we know from the previous generation. Overall, the new Shimano XTR four-piston brakes perform consistently well, delivering powerful deceleration without excelling or failing in any particular area. Unfortunately, the hoses rattled against the handlebars on all our test bikes, meaning that we had to secure them with zip-ties.
Conclusions about the New SHIMANO XTR M9220 Four-Piston Brakes
The new SHIMANO XTR M9220 four-piston brakes offer better modulation while retaining the digital character and strong braking performance of its predecessor. The newly-integrated adjustment dial works well, but the hoses run too close to the handlebars, rattling against the frame as a result – and the new curved levers require a bit of adaptation, too.
Tops
- Improved modulation
- Optimized brake lever adjustment
- Easy to bleed
- Strong braking power
Flops
- Hoses tend to rattle
- Unfamiliar ergonomics
For more information, visit Shimano’s website.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Benedikt Schmidt, Irmo Keizer
