Shimano Deore XT M8220 4 Pot Disc Brake Set – Front & Rear, Bled, BR-M8220/BL-M8200

The complete Deore XT brake set, front and rear, factory bled and ready to bolt on. Four-piston callipers on Shimano's M8200 generation, aimed at trail and enduro riding where you need power that holds up on long descents rather than fading halfway down.

What's in the box

• Front and rear BL-M8200 levers
• Front and rear BR-M8220 four-piston callipers
• Resin brake pads fitted
• Spare olives and inserts, so you can cut the hoses to length
• Hoses pre-bled: 1000mm front, 1700mm rear

What you'll also need

Rotors and adapters are not included. That's deliberate on Shimano's part so you can match them to your frame, fork and wheel size, but it does mean you need to order them separately. Shimano recommend Ice Tech rotors in 160, 180 or 203mm. We stock XT Ice Tech rotors, and if you're unsure which mount or diameter your bike takes, drop us a message before ordering and we'll check it with you.

Why four pistons

Two extra pistons per calliper spread the clamping force over a larger pad, which gives more power for the same lever effort and, more usefully, keeps that power consistent as the brake heats up. If you ride steep ground, ride a heavy bike, or run an e-MTB, this is the version you want. Two-piston brakes are lighter and perfectly good for general trail riding, but they run out of heat capacity sooner on sustained descents.

Adjustment

Servo Wave alters the leverage ratio through the lever stroke, so the pads close quickly to the rotor and then bite hard once contact is made. You get reach adjustment to suit your hand size and free stroke adjustment to set how far the lever travels before the brake engages. Both are tool-free and adjustable on the trail.

Specification

• Model: BR-M8220 callipers, BL-M8200 levers
• Series: Deore XT M8200
• Pistons: 4 per calliper, dual diameter
• Type: Hydraulic disc, post mount
• Fluid: Shimano low viscosity mineral oil only
• Lever mount: Hinged clamp, I-SPEC EV compatible
• Discipline: Trail and enduro MTB
• Colour: Black
• Supplied: Front and rear, bled

A note on the oil

This generation uses Shimano's low viscosity mineral oil, which is not the same as the older Shimano mineral oil. It stays consistent across a wider temperature range, which is what keeps the bite point steady from the first run of the day to the last. If you bleed them yourself later, make sure you use the low viscosity fluid.