Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Standards and Selection Guide

Posted at: Oct 17, 2023

Unlike mechanical brakes that only pull a cable, hydraulic disc brakes come with various standards and technologies depending on the manufacturer. This article highlights Shimano’s hydraulic disc brake technologies and standards, along with key points to consider when selecting one.

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Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Standards and Selection Guide

Table of contents

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Performance Technologies and Standards

SERVOWAVE ACTION (Brake Lever)

“SERVOWAVE ACTION” is a Shimano-exclusive technology found in their hydraulic brake levers.

In this system, the initial movement of the lever is faster, meaning the brake pads quickly contact the rotor, providing better brake control. This technology is one of the reasons Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes are known for their high control performance.

SERVOWAVE ACTION is featured in most mid-range and higher models of Shimano’s hydraulic brake levers.

Four Piston (Brake Caliper)

The “Four Piston” brake caliper is found in the higher-end Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Traditional disc brake calipers typically used two pistons to push the brake pads. In contrast, Four Piston calipers use four pistons to apply pressure to the pads. Additionally, the pistons on the entry side of the rotor are smaller, and those on the exit side are larger, using a “differential opposed” system. This allows for softer contact at first, followed by stronger braking power.

By combining this technology with SERVOWAVE ACTION, Shimano claims a 50% increase in stopping power compared to previous models.

Currently, Four Piston calipers are only used in Shimano’s MTB brake systems.

MONO-BODY (Brake Caliper)

The “MONO-BODY” is a technology used in the body of hydraulic disc brake calipers.

Traditionally, hydraulic disc brake calipers were made by bolting two body parts together, but the MONO-BODY caliper is made from a single cold-forged body. This improves the caliper’s rigidity while also making it lighter.

The MONO-BODY design is used only in Shimano’s highest-end brake calipers: the DURA-ACE R9200 series for road bikes and the XTR M9100 series for mountain bikes.

Installation and Maintenance Technologies and Standards

ONE WAY BLEEDING

One challenge with hydraulic brake systems is the “bleeding” process, which involves removing air and filling the brake system with oil.

In the past, hydraulic brake systems required a three-step process:

  1. Air bleeding from the caliper
  2. Air bleeding from the hose
  3. Air bleeding from the lever

This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

Today, many Shimano hydraulic brake systems feature “ONE WAY BLEEDING”. With this system, the lever and caliper can be bled in one direction, allowing the entire brake system to be bled all at once. This significantly improves maintenance efficiency.

If you’re considering purchasing hydraulic disc brakes, ONE WAY BLEEDING is a must-have feature.

Comparison Table of Technologies and Standards Used in Shimano Series

Below is a summary of the technologies and standards discussed above, along with their compatibility with Shimano’s road and MTB components.

Series Grade SERVOWAVE ACTION Four Piston MONO-BODY ONE WAY BLEEDING
R9200 DURA-ACE ○ - ○ ○
R9100 DURA-ACE ○ - - ○
R8100 ULTEGRA ○ - - ○
R8000 ULTEGRA ○ - - ○
6800 ULTEGRA ○ - - ○
R7100 105 ○ - - ○
R7000 105 ○ - - ○
5800 105 ○ - - ○
4700 TIAGRA - - - ○
RX820 GRX ○ - - ○
RX810 GRX ○ - - ○
RX400 GRX ○ - - ○
M9100 XTR ○ ○ ○ ○
M9000 XTR ○ - - ○
M8100 DEORE XT ○ ○ - ○
M8000 DEORE XT ○ ○ - ○
M7100 SLX ○ ○ - ○
M7000 SLX ○ - - ○
M6100 DEORE ○ - - ○
M6000 DEORE ○ - - ○
MT420 DEORE 10s - ○ - ○
M4100 DEORE 10s - - - ○
M4000 ALIVIO - - - ○
M3000 ACERA - - - ○
M2000 ALTUS - - - ○
M820 SAINT ○ - - ○
M640 ZEE ○ - - ○
U8000 CUES - - - ○
S7000 ALFINE ○ - - ○
S700 ALFINE ○ - - ○
MT200 No Grade - - - ○
MT400 No Grade - - - ○
MT500 No Grade ○ - - ○

Note: Depending on the standards and technologies, the model numbers may differ (e.g., BR-M7100 -> 2 pistons, BR-M7120 -> 4 pistons)

Key Points to Consider When Choosing Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes

For Precise and Powerful Stopping Power, Choose “SERVOWAVE ACTION” and “Four Piston”

Lower-grade models typically feature 2-piston brakes, but if you’re looking for greater and more delicate braking power, the “Four Piston” system is the best choice. When combined with “SERVOWAVE ACTION,” the performance improves even further, making this combination the ideal setup.

However, this combination is currently available only in MTB components. If you’re using a road bike, simply check for models that include “SERVOWAVE ACTION.”

That said, all Shimano hydraulic brake STI levers for road bikes, except for the TIAGRA 4700 series, are compatible with “SERVOWAVE ACTION.” So, as long as you remember “everything except TIAGRA,” you’ll be fine.

If You Do Your Own Maintenance, Choose “ONE WAY BLEEDING”

For those who prefer to maintain their own bike, “ONE WAY BLEEDING” is essential.

Almost all current Shimano hydraulic disc brakes feature the ONE WAY BLEEDING system, so this should not be a major concern when making your selection.

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