May 2, 2006 – May 1st marks the unveiling of the new Shimano XTR group featuring completely redesigned hydraulic disc brakes with a wide variety of rotors, compact and lightweight Dual Control Levers and a separate hydraulic disc brake lever. V-BRAKES with matching Dual Control Levers and separate brake levers will be available as well. When it comes to brakes, XTR offers the perfect solution for every riding style.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

For the first time in history, Shimano introduces a separate hydraulic disc brake lever at XTR level (BL-M975). The oil reservoir is positioned between the clamp band and the brake lever, creating a very compact design with optimal protection in the event of a crash. As well, the cable routing is adapted to prevent hooking up. This new design also ensures that the levers can be mounted close together on narrow handlebars with no cable interference. The lever reach can easily be adapted to riders’ preferences.

The calipers (BR-M975) feature an opposed two-piston design and a single forged monobody construction for optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio. The XTR calipers will be available in both international standard and post-type mounting systems. Better heat distribution and a solid brake feel have been achieved by equipping the brake pads with titanium backed plates. Both metal and resin brake pads will be available and the durability of the resin pads has been improved by 50%.

The new rotor design offers increased strength and rigidity and comes in four different sizes: 160, 180 and 203mm for front and rear, as well as a rear-specific 140mm for the most weight-conscious XC riders out there. No adapter is required for using the 140 and 160mm rotors. The rotors have been developed with Shimano’s Center Lock System for a lightweight and easy set-up.

The new XTR disc brakes have an exceptionally lightweight design: a set of assembled BR-M975 calipers with a pair of ST-M975 Dual Control Levers, two new 160mm rotors, hoses, oil and small parts together weigh only 961 grams.

A set of BR-M975 calipers with a pair of BL-M975 brake levers, two new 160mm rotors, hoses, oil and small parts together weigh only 735 grams. The weight of a set of SL-M970
Rapidfire Plus shifters is 229 grams to make a fair comparison with the Dual Control version.

V-BRAKES

The V-BRAKES BR-M970 have been developed with a parallel link mechanism for even pad wear, maximum tire clearance and optimum control. They also feature the proven performance of Shimano’s Super Linear Response system. The XTR V-BRAKES have a cartridge brake shoe holder.

Shimano also developed a new Dual Control Lever ST-M970 for use with V-BRAKES and mechanical disc brakes. It has a compact and lightweight design with key ergonomical features such as an adjustable lever reach and a redesigned lever shape.

BL-M970 is a 1.5 finger brake lever for use with V-BRAKES. It has been developed with a reach adjust mechanism for a perfect personal set-up.

Advanced products for a wide variety of riding styles: XTR is definitely “Engineered for the way you ride!”