I've been really enjoying making these review videos recently, what would you like to see reviewed next? Curries, suspension, flags, anything. 👇

Dale Stone over here channeling his inner Doug Demuro. 😆 It's a well-honed formula that works.

Awesome review as usual. And the trails you ride, and your skill are next level.

Shimano's entry level 4 piston brakes is all you need even for a 50lb ebike. I have a Trek Rail and it came with Shimano M6100 series 4 piston brakes. A very basic hack that I did to improve braking power was to upgrade from a 200mm rotor to a 220mm rotor and replaced the factory brake pads to MTX red label pads. Braking power was improved significantly and most important, modulation was increased. Also 220mm rotors dissipates more heat than a 200mm rotor that has less material that heat can be transferred to.

I love this content, Dale. You are a great presenter.

Great review Dale. Norco shipped my 2020 Sight with a set of 420's, and they are now the only component on my bike that hasn't been replaced or upgraded. Given that I weigh a little more than two of you and I've never had issues with insufficient power or fade, I'd have to say I'm a huge fan and testament to non-series Shimano brakes.

Thanks Dale , was looking for something comparable to my Zee’s for my hard tail . Great review and wicked riding !!

I have these exact brakes on my Giant Trance X, and can confirm they are some awesome brakes! Way more stopping power than I expected to have, so haven't even bothered looking for an upgraded pair yet.

Great video Dale 🤟 I love shimano brakes! I've had thease brakes (520), the deore (6120) and the slx (7120) and they all preformed identically. Very consistent and powerful. I would absolutely recommend them to any and all riders.

Awesome review Dale! These with Galfer Wave 2mm rotors and Mtx pads are pure bliss on my Ripmo AF.

I LOVE THESE REVIEWS!

These came on my Slash 7 and they were great for local trails. They couldn't really keep up on bike park days (Whistler hot lap sessions) But otherwise for the average shmuck these offer great value. A set of decent pads is a real boost too!

We watched your video with the Intend brakes. That company looks to be putting out some fantastic stuff. I really like the look of their upside down forks, but I always liked the Lefty. We just bought some MT5's for the new season. Can't wait to try them out.

Absolutely loving these brake reviews. I would really like to see other components reviewed using the same Dale 'Demuro' scoring method too.

I have not commented in a while on the channel but props to you Dale for going in front of camera. I recall a time you were timid to. Your mom would be proud.

Another great review video Dale. Your exceptional presentation ability combined with your equal (greater?) skill on a bike combined still further with your mechanical knowledge (you are an engineer after all!) make you a natural for this type of content. I would consider your opinions to be broadly reliable for all but the nichiest of riders. Now to check my bike for what type of brakes I have… I don’t even know, but I think it’s these lol!

only problem here: Your voice inspires so much trust that I believe anything.

If your bike comes with MT420 calipers, change the levers out to SLX and add some M4 grub screws and you're golden 😎

Thumbs up 👍🏻... in Germany the complete XT Breakset BR-M8120 is available at 229,95 Euro (new) This a great value, too 😊✌🏼

These brakes are fantastic. They came stock on my norco range ebike and i upgraded them with galfer purple pads and galfer rotors. They have all the feel and performance of the higher end options but are kind of a ‘sleeper’ with how people may not even know what they are or that they exist.

Love these review videos Dale! I'd give these a go on a trail bike for sure! I love how my cheaper Shimano brakes feel the same as my XTRs! Seth

A really helpful and pro-spec video, thanks. I never had problems with the MT520s I ran on my hard-pressed trail bike, but the MT501 levers experienced total piston failure about four times in two years. In fact, after one really hot night in my garage both levers failed together. Shimano were good and replaced them, but strange all the same. The rear needed bleeding about every 2-3 months (350ish miles). Anyway, cool story over.

You just upgraded your editing and video making quality again!

"The Dale Scale" has got to be the best evaluation method name ever! Liking the new approach to your vids, DS. I have been wanting to learn more about the 'Three MTBusakteers' views on parts and bike maintenance suggestions.

Wholeheartedly agree with this review as I have bled a lot of brakes over the years. The MT520s are “set em and forget em”. XT/XTR and even Saint have had the maddening bite point issue for me… but not the lowly 520s, go figure!

Great review and the first one that mentions the leaking Shimano calipers. I had one set of MT520 and they started leaking at calipers after first ride when bike was left in storage for few weeks (both wheels on the ground) and ruined my brake pads. Brakes were under a warranty so I got a replacement set from Shimano but both of the new ones were leaking in their factory box when opened it so my confidence in MT520 and Shimano brakes has gone for now. I just can't have brakes in my bike that may or may not work when I grab my bike for a ride. My previous brakes were Shimano Zees and those leaked also from calipers when the bike was left unused for a while. I warrantied those also and sold the new warrantied brakes to my friend and got the MT520 to find out that they are leaking also. My friend used the Zees for few months and they also started leaking from calipers. My local bike shop told me they have had some bikes with Shimano brakes (especially Zees) that have leaked on the shop floor and they have had to replace those under warranty. I really like Shimano brakes for their performance and the easy bleeding but waiting for some new design from them that would solve the leaking calipers. Now riding Sram Code RSCs and they are ok but not great (one lever was leaking when new but the replacement has been ok for few years now). Maybe Magura MT7 next, waiting for your review on those and your findings on the reliability and ease of bleeding/setup (some have complained that it's hard to get them setup without pads dragging).

Love the reviews. My Optic came with the 420s with metallic pads and they’ve been very reliable. I hated the lever’s and picked up the 520 ones cheap and they are great fit Ontario riding. I hang my bike from the front tire and haven’t had any leaks yet over the last three years. Hope it doesn’t start now 😂.

Loving your content. It appears you’re a fellow Vancouverite? Looking fwd to more component reviews, namely the high end stuff.

Thank god to hear I'm not the only one suffering from the self-contaminating Shimano brakes, thought I was going crazy.. Storing bikes at any angle in fluctuating temperatures is a recipe for failing brakes in my book

These are really good but I do prefer the trp slate t4 and the price is very similar. Really enjoying your reviews!

Great review with heaps of useful information. I've noticed the same contamination problem with my Stance, which came with 520s I think. Have never been able to fix it, and it did this from new. I have just recently upgraded my other bike to Deore 4 piston brakes, which I think are the branded version of the 520 and very similar if not almost identical. What a difference, can go much faster downhill now :-) BTW there are 3rd party adapters for mounting SRAM onto Shimano.

These reviews are great! I had a set of these unfortunately I had nothing but wondering bite point. Still can't deny the price to performance of these. Love the video. I hope you do lewis lh4 brakes next!

I've been exclusively using 420/520s for a little while now, I'll buy the calipers a la carte and pair them with XT or SLX levers which comes out to ~230 as well. Feels identical to an XT set at half the price. Interesting to see a back to back comparison with a set that costs 500% more!

I got them on my trailbike for more than 2 years. After a crash i had to replace the lever and chose a xtr. At my 120 kg I never had to be skeptical on performance, but I have to say that I really can´t use more than 50% of my gripstrength. Last year when I needed to make a service caused by dirty pads and disc, I discovered a little damage at one of the ceramic pistons. And found a more hidden one, too. You can´t replace those, so I needed a new one and decided for another one of the 520s to use less gripstrenght in a more relaxed handposition. But I agree with your opinion. They are worth a try.

"extremely average" is one of the best lines that Iwill now forever use

Just found your channel! I love the reviews, would love to see a value drivetrain!

They came on my 2022 Scott Genius, and have been amazing... simple and effective. I'm 168 lbs and they have more than enough power and modulation for me. I recently purchased a set of Code RSC because I got a great deal on them, but Im skeptical about putting them on the bike since these shimano's have been so good. We'll see

The 420s fit icetec pads, and either with a set of xt levers are an absolute hack for inexpensive brakes with awesome performance.

As someone who store my bike hanging from the front wheel, as well as owning Shimano brakes I may need to give your theory some evaluation. After the first winter(long period of time just hanging on the wall) the brakes felt like garbage, just no bite at all. I just chafed the pads on some sandpaper, and gave it another go. They've just gradually become better, but far from great. I know some people manage to push their piston(s) in at an angle which often cause damage and even crack the piston(s) if they are the ceramic kind. Personally I only use a tool that push pistons on either side in with an even and straight push so I haven't really considered my calipers to be leaking. I am going to fully serve them before the season start and I will be changing pads at least anyhow, so I'll just have a closer look at things when that time comes(no season here until early June so no hurry...)

I think anyone who has doubt about the performance of this brake should just watch tons of your ride videos when you were on it to get rid of the doubt, as simple as that.

If someone offered me any HOPE, SRAM, MAGURA or these, I'd take these 100%. Ease to bleed, power, lever feel, pad availability.

Imo, feel is the most important part of the brake system. It will definitely relieve your wrist from arm pumps or makes it worst. Most brakes 4 piston are good now. You'll just need good brake pads and good thick rotor.

Nice series man! Good behind and in front of the camera ;) The MT520 hardly lack (if at all) any braking power in comparison to the Deore, Slx, XT/XTR Lineup. Shimano states they have around 10% less power than their named lineup but I cannot agree. They do feel a little different on the lever side (no added bumps), but overall are pretty much the same as the M-x120 4 piston brakes. I used to run them with Trickstuff Powerpads and rotors. The only downside for me was I-Spec2. EV is just so much cleaner on the cockpit. The looks of the lever and caliper only saying Shimano is actually pretty rad.

These came standard on my Scott ransom in 2019; I think they were the first component I upgraded on that bike, after they gave me issues in bikeparks with overheating twice. Tried different pads, bigger discs,bled them , problems arose again. It was always after around 200m of descent, and before a sharp turn where i had to brake hard. I was able to pull BOTH of the levers almost completely to the handlebar, scared me shitless😅 I weigh around 85kg so I’m not super heavy. Switched to saints and pretty happy with them since.

I've had these brakes on my bike since I bought it in 2019. The only issue I had with them was a broken lever which was from a crash that would break any other lever. They're one of the few components on my bike that haven't broken or been upgraded. One thing that I can note is that I seem to not suffer from arm pump compared to my mate who runs a set of Codes (which he loves). I did upgrade the front rotor to a 203mm one from Shimano when my old Shimano rotors wore out which I think improved braking (it was a long time ago). Solid brakes!

I'm running shimano zee Brakes, they're about the same price. I didn't have any issues with these as well but they seem very similar to the 520s, except they look more like saints and are branded.

I love your videos ❤

Dale, thanks for the video. A little feedback: the music in the first part was a tiny bit too loud compared to your voice (imho). Best Mtb breakes in my opinion are the Magura Mt5 or even better the Shigura Mt5 (Shimano levers with Magura Mt5 Calipers) but I do not know if Magura is a thing outside of Europe. See you around!

I am rocking the MT420 currently and they have been good. Would like the lever adjustment so eyeballing different levers but otherwise they have been good for me. I also don't ride nearly as hard as you do so that may be a factor.

These are my goto brakes for bike builds. Price/performance cant be beat. I am a shimano guy as i like my brakes to feel the same across my bike stable. Ive got the 520, deore 4 pot, slx 4 pot, and xt 4 pot. Cant tell a difference between them on the trail. They lack the extras of slx and up, but those dont matter to me. Once i set the lever reach, its done. Tooless doesnt matter to me. The banjo at the caliper is nice but i can live with out it.

Dale that was a great review!!! what trail is that ? it looks amazing ❤‍🔥 great trail building 🔥

I now ride code r brakes for 2.5 jears and once you know how to bleed them they are bombproof i ride hard with no issues whatsoever i love them🤘

I weight 97kg, riding 26kg ebike. Running mt520 for 3 years overall, 2 years on ebike. Using 2x icetech freeza 203mm rotors and sintered pads, never had issues with them. Few years was using finned pads, now switched to non finned, as you mentioned can't see difference, only price is 2x lower 🙂 Btw switched levers to slx, only cuz of i spec ev mounts.

I just picked up the Slx 4 piston for 200 for a full set and I’ve been thrilled

indeed it's performance is incredible !

I've been liking 4 pot Sram Guide e bike brake. Got them for $95 usd each. I like that sram has more modulation.

Shim-anno, Shim-onno, potatoe-potatto....LOL :-] Great video review. I ride Hayes A4's, freaking LOVE THEM

Ding indeed🤘 Me lovin Shimano long time…price isn’t too boocoo 🍻😂

didn't expect doug demuro of the mtb world but i'm all for it

Travelling a few hours to ride in Vancouver/lower mainland in a few weeks. Have ridden fromme/Seymour/thornhill/vedder. What other places would you recommend? We are thinking cypress and Burke/eagle or staying further out in the valley and doing sumas/woodlot. What would your choice be or would you recommend other areas?

these are the same thing as 4 piston deores, just without the label. great stopping power, great lever feel, fantastic reliability

I have Shimano MT520, Deore M6120, 2x Zee, and XT M8120 brakes. Only my XT brakes have wandering bite point. Whatever "improvements" Shimano added to their latest XT and XTR brakes have clearly made the issue worse.

i run mt-510 for wheelies and their soo good and snappy

Well...I did have to replace one piston on my Shimano XT BR-M8120 4 Piston after some 4000 km because it started leaking oil and contaminated my pads and rotor. I might just try these MT520s on my ebike but I weigh in around 82kg and my ebike is on a heavy side at 27kg. I'm not really sure how that would go tho. 🤔🙃 And I really like your videos 👌👌 Greetings from Slovenia 🇸🇮 🙋‍♂

I like BR-MT420 more because it has phenolic pistons when BR-MT520 has ceramic pistons which can to crack.

Now hold on, so is this Doug DeMuro but for bike parts? Sign me up haha

In terms of handling, how is the power delivery? Would you say they have good modulation or are they have that kinda on/off grabby feeling?

I found a set of deore m6100 brakes for $70 on PB. They come with 2 piston calipers but has more than enough power for my trail bike.

Have the MT420s on my Range VLT. Really wish they came with 520s instead. Lever blades are gross. Both still solid brakes.

first time here...is this doug demuro for bikes? :))

I've been told the shimano Deore M5120 use the old zee calipers. Great deals if you compare them to overpriced xtr's.

I would add that if the lever flex bothers you, bumping up to the new Deore M6120 with the fancy master is worth the money.

I love those, but there is ONE FATAL FLAW with heavy Ebikes/-bikers that the plastic pistons can melt, therefore the M6120 with ceramic pistons and technically the same lever but I-SPEC EV would be my choice for a huge performance benefit with minor price increase, Nice info and great video, thanks

Sooo best budget combo will be M6100 lever + MT520 caliper - due to I-Spec EV clamp with its offset mounting.

Honestly, all you need to maximize braking would be bigger rotors. I been riding on SLX brake set with 223/203 rotors now for about 2 years. I'm over 200lbs and ride red trails with no worrying on brakes. Those other high end components are probably well above of our capabilities. MT 520 👍

You need too test shigura brake, so mich power such less fatigue, these brakes are unbelievable. Everytime you pull em youre suprised by the Power. 10 out of 10 recommendation

I'm currently using a 2 piston Deore M6100, would it be better if I changed the calipers to a 4 piston MT520?

Dale DeMuro

How have you never had wandering bite point?! I have literally never NOT had wandering bite point with these, and that is across multiple sets and bleeds. Luckily wandering bite point doesn't bother me all that much though.

From the most expensive to the cheapest!

What are the differences between the MT520's and the MT420's? Great video dude. Thanks for the info.

I would love for someone to compare the new Norco fluid with my modified fluid. Can you change a bike to make it as good as a new model. I'm in the Milton area.

What is your option on the MT5's vs these, they are even cheaper at $190 for a pair online

TBH, I just bought br-m7120 bc of I like how it looks. If wouldn't br-mt520 or brm-6120 would have been the choose. (Price wasn't a factor, I was working in a bike shop.) BTW it's a sleeper.

I just realized my ideal spec is a bike where every component is the equivalent to this brake in their categories, including this brake. 😜

FYI the MT520 brake calipers are exactly the same as the Shimano Deore BR-M6120. I have them side by side and they are the same design and weigh exactly the same. The only difference is the paint finish. I believe the MT520's are intended to be paired with the cheaper 2-3 finger brake levers.

The problem different is the price in Asia you can buy deore group set

Quirks & Features, That's good, You should Trademark that.

These brakes came on my Ebike. They’re phenomenal. If you don’t mind they don’t have the bells and whistles and just want stopping power, then you won’t go far wrong.

please someone tell me what the difference between thsese and the ones that say deore on them is .i have the 2 pot version of these. its annoying that you need a tool to adjust the lever andle and they arent the best, but they work ok. still much prefer slx. ALSO- not bombproof. one of mine was cracked and leaking. the blmt501 with the longer levers are proper bombproof

What rotors and brake pad material are you using? I'm new to MTB and these came on my second bike that I got a few weeks back, its a second hand bike but he had only ridden a handful of times so nothing was worn but braking power is very poor. I've done everything (clean, lever bleed, full bleed, sand pads, rebed etc.) and performance has improved a little but they still are not as good as the entry level Tektro brakes on my first bike! The bike is slightly too big for me so its temporary until a better fit comes along so I'm reluctant to throw too much money into it and this review and the other comments give me hope that I wont have to replace the whole brake set. The rotors are resin only so I'm thinking that perhaps changing the rotors and getting semi metallic pads? I'm practically same weight as you (just under 60kg) so I cant think of anything else causing me to have low performance when everyone else here is speaking highly of them.

The deore brakes are the same caliper at the same price. Slightly different levers with I spec ev compatibility. Plus they’re shiny 🫨🫨

how about you do some video about shimano's cheap but reliable mt200? trail test etcetc

I own these brakes on one of my bikes. I appreciate their value proposition, but the brand is a bit of a let down in terms of keeping them running long term. There are no spare parts available - not pistons (which I cracked), not lever spares, no seals, o-rings or anything. If something stops working you throw it in the trash. I’ve seen a couple if these levers also become leaky because dirt can easily get trapped around the piston - damaging the seals, piston and lever body. Maybe they’re more reliable in non-dusty areas, but we ride in powdery dust almost all year round. Would like to see a shootout with some SRAM DB8 brakes.

not the focus of the video but damn your trails are mind blowing, wanna trade with Quebec?

520/69 - *so* close

I would argue that these are THE. MOST. core brake on the market it.

Put some trickstuff power pads and 223mm rotors on and these things will stop an airplane.

Join the _Dale Stone space program_ now, your country needs you! 🚀

'the more expensive your bike, the more important you must be as a human'