Great value and dependable brake calliper gives you plenty of power when you require it. For use with mineral oil which is non-corrosive and less hazardous than conventional hydraulic fluid. Shim-less mounting bracket allows for quickinstallation and set up. Compatible with post mount or international standard forks when used with adapters. To be used in conjunction with Shimano hydraulic brake levers. Can be used with 6-bolt or Centre Lock rotors.
Submitted by
yeahdog31
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2012
Strengths: Good intro to hydraulic discs, easy to bleed, quiet operation, good looks.
Weaknesses: Lacking in power, spongey feel at levers, pads drag on larger rotors.
Bottom Line:
I have had these brakes on 3 different frames in the past 3 seasons. They were my first experience with hydraulic disc brakes. At first, having not much to compare to, I was pretty happy with them. But over time, I realized that I was riding apprehensively because I didn't have the confidence that I could stop like I wanted to. I switched the stock rotors from the chintzy RT-52s that came with it to the SLX and XT level rotors (and went up a size to 180mm). The larger rotors provided more stopping power, but still didn't have the solid braking feel I craved. I eventually switched my primary bike to XT brakes and the difference is unbelievable. Besides being more powerful, the XT's ServoWave allows more brake pad clearance, so you are less likely to drag a rotor while riding.
Another thing to be aware of is that replacement pads aren't very easy to find. No LBS stocked any and I even had some degree of difficulty finding aftermarket replacements online.
Bottom line: good brakes for moderate riding, but if your trails have lots of UPs and DOWNs, you might want to spend a little more.
Submitted by
Asmodean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2011
Strengths: VALUE.
Weaknesses: Stock pads are duff, wear in fast, but then wear out faster. Stock discs won't handle a metal pad
Bottom Line:
I bought these for the girlfriend as she was agitating about getting with the hydraulic crowd.
I didn't expect much from them, but they seem to be more or less SLX brakes with a few cosmetic differences, and a grub screw instead of a tooless reach adjuster.
The discs that came with them have "organic pads only" stamped o the side of them, so they will need replacing, and also the pads that came with them didn't last any time at all.
Those minor issues aside they see to be a controlled and strong brake.
Submitted by
peteuga
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmetto, GA USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2011
Strengths: None
Weaknesses: I have exactly 200 miles on my bike and started hearing a bad sound coming from my brakes, so I took the caliber off and the pads were completely gone at only 200 miles. This is completely unacceptable. They also continuously scrap the disc, though it doesn't make much drag it sounds like crap. Don't buy these
Similar Products Used: Avid mechanical disc, used for years with no problems.
Bike Setup: Stock Jamis Dakota Comp
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
matt_19
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2011
Strengths: Very good modulation, definately one of the smoothest brakes I've ever pulled the lever of (and I've tried high-end downhill bikes and stuff.) You can squeeze the mineral oil down the hose effortlessly! Good entry level hydraulic disks.
Weaknesses: Not the most powerful brakes, but this problem is EASILY solved by using two fingers, which is what I normally do with any brake.
Bottom Line:
These are solid brakes, which will stop you with ease, and are SO smoothe! They have a much better feel than any mechs I've ridden and their modulation beats the mechs by a long way.
They aren't for down-hillers, but perfect for XC, for a very affordable price.
These brakes teamed with Shimano SLX and Deore drive-train and Rockshox Tora 302 makes my 2010 Giant Filter 1 a brilliant, realatively lightweight XC hardtail bike.
Weaknesses: Were not as powerful as my Hayes 9's on my AM rig, until I bled them, now they are fine.
Bottom Line:
I was dissapointed with the BR 486 performance since I purchased the bike, and was ready to buy some bling brakes...
Decided to bleed them, Took about 40 minutes for both. the mineral oil was dark brown and there was crud in both resevoirs. Used a 2.5 ml srynge to clean it out, and weed eater fuelline to connect to the bleed valve. 7mm wrench fits perfect. Got some air bubbbles and nasty fluid out. Now they are just as good as my Hayes and I only spent $1.54 on mineral oil at Wally World.
Submitted by
pedalitup
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2010
Strengths: None whatsoever
Weaknesses: Comes with fake resin pads. They flat out DO NOT WORK. They don't work as well as Avid mechanicals, even with 180mm rotors. ES01 metallic pads are unobtanium worldwide, so you cant even fix the crap.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the BR 575 non series brakes. Be careful at the LBS when you run across OEM shimano disc brakes. I got burned and just givin' you a heads up.
Similar Products Used: The dumpster. I wouldn't even offer this junk on craigslist, I'm S#!^ canning 'em when my Formulas arrive. Shimanos gonna get their a$$ kicked soon if this crap is the best they can do.
Bike Setup: Too nice for these!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BurnNotice
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2010
Strengths: Reliable and do not squeal like other Avid brake systems I have had in past. Brake real well.
Weaknesses: The pistons will at times not retract which you then have to reset them yourself. Read another review for remedying this issue.
Bottom Line:
Value priced braking system that works.........bottom line! If you want pro quality then spend some mega bucks!
Bike Setup: 09' Felt Q720 hardtail stock other than: Race Face Deus seat post; Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires 2.1"; Sun Ringle Equalizer rims with Disc Jockey hubs; 10' model Marzocchi Bomber 44 TST2 fork.
Similar Products Used: magura julie. tectro mech disc brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
S
a Cross Country Rider
from woofer2609@yahoo.com
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2010
Strengths: They are Shimanos
Weaknesses: outboard piston got stuck!
Bottom Line:
These brakes work well, they have a dumb kinda circle graphic on the outside. I noticed that if they are not used for a while, the pistons will stick(!)leading to funky braking, and premature pad wear. Take out the pads, put a screwdriver shank that is about 1/4" thick between the pistons, and squeeze the lever while holding the piston that wasn't stuck against the caliper body; the frozen one will break free, and the screwdriver will keep the piston(s) from overextending. Clean the piston with isopropynal and a q-tip, force it back in with the screwdriver shank, and repeat on the other side, they will start to free up. I now make a point of squeezing the levers every few days. Pretty good otherwise, they seem similar to most other Shimanos I've owned. Buy if you are in need of reliable, serviceable, Decent brakes. Might not be so good for the DH crew.
Submitted by
lja547
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2009
Strengths: Simplicity is the key, I got the white one with black levers. The design is simple and a set and forget affair. Modulation is way better than those overrated Avid BB5's and BB7's which by the way are more expensive than than the 486.
Weaknesses: The hose is kinda flimsy compared to the hose used in XT brakes. When first used with the stock 6inch non series rotors modulation was not great specially when wet. After replacing the rotors with 7inch Alligators, it became a whole different game. The feel is great, modulation is excellent.
Bottom Line:
Excellent brakes for the money will beat the best mech brakes out there hands down both in value and performance. Just dont use the stock rotors.
Similar Products Used: Shimano non series mech brakes, Avid BB5
Bike Setup: Giant ATX 8 Pro Frame, SR Epicon Fork, Deore LX and XT components, Mavic Wheels, Kenda Blue Groove, Truvativ Cockpit. XT Clipless Pedals, Vetta and Prologo Stuffs
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
gomeroz
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009
Strengths: Simple faultless design,strong controlled stopping and reliability
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Swapped the Hayes under warranty for the Shimano and have never had a problem (touch wood).Brakes are not super sensitive as the Hayes but deliver a more confident controlled braking system which is far more reliable and simple in the design.
Budget priced great brake for the average punter.
I have some Shimano Deore BR-M486 brakes that I picked up to go on my HT. Are these brakes strong enough for a 200lb aggressive XC rider? Or would I be better off to sell them and Read More »
Hi everyone,
I need to replace the pads in my Shimano BR-M486 hydro disc brakes (a non-series - came stock on a Giant I bought last year). I've searched but I'm having trouble f Read More »
Hi all,
I posted this is the Shimano forum but got no answers, so here goes again...
I'm looking for replacement pads for my BR-M486 hydro brakes (came stock on my Giant). A Read More »
