The brake lever is mounted with a clamp around the handlebars, so you decide exactly where the brake should be located.

It's a Shimano I-Spec EV lever that makes it compatible with the Shimano I-Spec EV shift lever, so the shift lever sits alongside the brake for a cleaner cockpit.

The clamp is moved in the middle of the brake and further out towards the handle itself, the brake supports the handlebars. It makes the brake 10% stiffer according to Shimano.

It gives you a better opportunity to modulate the pressure, so you ensure the best control by not blocking the wheel by mistake.

The brake is operated with just one finger, so you can focus on the track ahead.

The technology in the entire brake set is similar to that used in both XT. However, the choice of material is different, which makes the brake heavier and the modulation is not quite as good as it is in the XT M8100.

However, not everyone can feel the difference, precisely because the technology is so well developed.