XT 756 4-Pot Hydraulic
 

So what's the deal with these brakes? I have read great reviews on them - most reviews dating back to 2005 - and the most recent review compared them to the new shimano saint brakes. I've been considering picking up a pair for a new ride or build (aggressive xc and all mountain riding fyi). are they very heavy? do they live up the hype? would i be better off with the new shimano m775 or avid elixirs?

Thanks a lot!

I too am very curious about these brakes, they are readily available for me from a source and I was wondering why they're so good.

I think they might be overkill for riding off curbs on the way to bars, Ben. ;)

i was trying to think of a witty reply, but i can't. sorry M_S.

Yeah.

One thing I have heard about the XT 4 pots (and the new ones) is some trouble in cold weather. Have you searched around the brake forum at mtbr? You may have to waed through a billion mechnicals vs hydraulics threads, but there can be some good info there for sure.

The 2-pot ones are just fine.

I already run m765's on my stumpjumper and haven't really noticed a problem in cold weather. because they both run on mineral oil i'll just assume that the 4 pots would run the same as my other ones... but good to know.

After a pretty quick search, i found out that they are the same brakes as the saints. just with different paint and levers.

The new question is, for a 160lb rider, do you think the 4 pots would be overkill for aggressive xc and all mountain riding?

bump?

im 160 too. I've ridden the saints and they have heaps of power.

I'm 185 + gear. I've had the XT two-pots for years, and have never had a problem with modulation or fade in that time. YMMV

Yeah, my XT 2 pots have been fine also. I imagine the 4 pots will weigh a considerably more. Like i said, my new build is going to be an all mountain type thing, and i'm just wondering if the 4 pots will be a more deisrable brake for some mild drops and longer descents. I also want this bike to be under 30lbs, so the weight is a factor too. Decisions, decisions...

So i guess the new question is are the 4 pots overkill for an all mountain aggressive trail bike and a light weight rider?

Thanks for everyone's input!

haha. sorry i guess the new question is the question that still remains... i really should read these things better.

and i guess the question has already been kind of answered?

It sort of has been answered. Explicitly, I don't think you need to go to 4-pots based on your described weight and riding type. I would recommend going with a larger front rotor, like a 180 instead of a 160. I like the Scarface rule for brakes:
- first you get the modulation
- when you got the modulation, then you get the power
- when you got the power, then you get the wheemin

werd. I need it spelled out for me sometimes. Thanks for being explicit.

I haven't used the Shimanos you're asking about, but I do have the "Avid Code" 4pots on a freeride bike which should be about the equivalent, if the XT756 were the previous Saints. IMHO I would say that would be overkill - but not unusable. But if you want them on your bike for no other reason than you like them, then why not?

My understanding is that 4 pots have smaller pistons and they engage in succession. The idea is to have a smoother, more gradual modulation with the increased stopping power rather than ending up with a sudden wheel-locking thud if 2pots were just made bigger. 4pots also allow a larger brake-pad area profile, which theoretically should last longer, handle heat better, and be more gentle on the rotors. The downside is that there are more parts and seals to maintain, or to replace - and are a bit heavier.

Technically speaking, your brakes (and rotor combination) should be matched more to the size of your tires and the overall weight of bike+rider - rather than your riding style. At the defining moment where whatever tires you use - "lets go" of the terrain, all the stopping power in the world is no longer any good to you.

4pots are in their element when installed on heavy-ish bikes (35-45 lbs), with deep thread tires 2.5 and wider, which require larger rotors 185 - 203mm, and are used on trails with exceptionally long braking sections. Quick-release front axles are not going to be able to handle these braking forces, so a fork with 20mm thru axle at the front is a "must have."

If you can deliberately "lock" your wheels whenever you want with 2pot calipers on 165mm rotors and have never turned a rotor "dark-blue" from overheating... you really don't need anymore unless you just want them for the bling.


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Hmmm . . . Shimano 4-pot? Shimano 2-pot? 180? 160? I think what you need is a set of Hayes Stroker Trails :D.

Now that was explicit! Thank you very much Pocko. While the new bike will have a 20mm thru axle, i think a two pot brake with a 180mm rotor up front will be more than addequate. Thanks for everyone's help.

^ I'm sure 180mm hydraulic disc brakes will be more than enough to get the wheemin! :)

The 4 pots are good brakes and haven't achieved their cult following for nothing. They would be great for "all mountain" type riding. For whatever reason, I have always preferred the feel of 2 piece, bolted calipers to the monoblock types. If they're in decent shape I'd consider picking them up and giving them a try - if you don't like them you won't have any trouble finding someone who does.

Having said that, the new Servo wave XT lever paired with 2 pot caliper is also a nice brake and has a similar feel at the lever to the 4 pots.