skilsaw

I am confused by the multitude of parts that appear to be the same but have different part numbers.

For example, I can find 4 Shimano XT V-Brake Levers, and I can't see the difference between them.

BL M739, BL M740, BL M770, and BL M771 are all Shimano XT V-Brake Levers.

Or for Shimano XT Hubs for rim brakes, I can't see the difference between the 760's and the 770's.

To make it all a little more complicated, the manufacturer's Specs for my bike simply say XT V-Brake Levers... the number BL M739, etc are not specified. The Specs don't specify the part number for any of the parts.

How do I figure out which replacement parts to order? Or which part I currently have?

nwbikeman

Well the part number is probably on the underside of the levers main body. The higher the number the more recent the part and is probably interchangeable. But this shouldn't matter since you specify V brake and not disc. The hubs have model number on center of hub, between the spokes. This might matter as to the type of seal is on axle cone or the hubs dust shield so this one I would want the exact one unless it has been obsoleted, then I would measure the dimensions and get as close as possible. I,m looking at the Tektro carbon levers since there lighter and about $25 less, for my full XT OCLV carbon Trek.