Year after year, the SRAM vs Shimano brake rivalry continues and becomes even more divided. A few years ago we did a comparison of these two brakes, but since then both brands have come out with new and updated brakes, addressing the previous complaints and always trying to improve. The arguments go one of two ways: either SRAM brakes feel soft and spongy and I have a harder time bleeding them OR Shimano brakes lock up too fast, I can’t modulate how much brake I pull and after a few rides my Shimano brakes are pulling to the bar and I have to bleed them often.
Both arguments come up often, and a lot of this comes down to rider preference and your own or your local mechanic’s skills. I have personally been working on both brakes for the better part eight years, so I know most of the tricks. I’ll get into my thoughts and personal tips for bleeding each brake later. At the end of the day, there is a reason both of these brake brands are seen as the top two brands to choose from. Both options are amazing and have great brakes to help you slow down regardless of what kind of terrain you ride. From SRAM Code or Shimano Saint brakes for your downhill bike, SRAM G2 or Shimano XTR/XT four piston brakes for your trail bike, and SRAM Level or Shimano XTR/XT two piston brakes for your cross country bike, each brand makes something for everything.
[continued...]
From Worldwide Cyclery
We're a group of dudes who really enjoy three things. Bikes, Business and Beer. We see value in enjoying our lives, working in an industry we're passionate about and around people we actually like. We built this shop on a backbone of exceptional customer experience, unique product offering, attention to detail and a modern day business model. We care about innovation, technology and bringing value to our customers. This is in many ways disrupting the way retail has been done in the bicycle industry for the past several decades. But by now you know, we are far from the typical bike shop and love being different and being better.
