SHIMANO’S FLAGSHIP TRAIL brake looks beautiful and potentially has stunning control and modulation but we’ve struggled to get consistent performance on several sets we’ve used.
For 15$ more than the magnesium bodied M9000 XC version, the Trail gets several extra features. These include leverage-changing Servo-Wave roller cam action between blade and piston to give plenty of pad clearance when ‘off’ but more power at the point of contact. There’s also a ‘free stroke’ adjuster that theoretically changes bite point and a reach adjuster on the knuckle of the super-short and broad carbon blade. At the brake end you get Shimano’s unique Ice Tech pads (resin fitted, with a sintered set in the box). They advise using the brakes with their ‘frilled’ Freeza rotors to keep as much heat as possible away from the mineral oil powered system.
On a good set this all combines to create a lightweight and adequately powerful set-up. Once you’re used to the Servo-Wave cam action, modulation through the stubby levers is fantastically rich too. Unfortunately we’ve been having repeated issues with dramatically changing bite point (up to 6mm) between first and second lever pulls, even on sets bled by Shimano’s own mechanics. We’ve spotted updates on newer test samples that should remedy this nerve-racking issue and deliver the performance you’d expect at this price.
Weight: 408g
Price 363$
