[SteveJewels]

I am gathering components to build up a older frame. I got some shifters, Shimano SL-M751 3x9 speed Shifter Lever Set Deore XT trigger.

I'm looking for brakes with levers that will nestle with these levers. Will Shimano M7XXX levers work?

Thanks!!!

 

[Reaperactual]

M6000, M7000 and M8000 (or any pre i-spec EV brake models) should be fine with your shifters:-

I recommend you avoid i-spec EV compatible (M6100, M7100, etc.) brakes which have a re-designed clamp position more towards the centre of the lever body with an additional lever/bar contact point:-

Old shifter clamps are too wide to fit between the main clamp and new outer contact point, especially a no go for shifters with gear indicators.

Nothing stopping any older style shifter being mounted inboard of the main EV brake mount except the triggers could be too far away from your thumbs to change gear comfortably.

 

[SteveJewels]

@Reaperactual

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to know.

 

[Reaperactual]

Ah great, you're welcome @SteveJewels .👊😎

 

[rete]

Nothing stopping any older style shifter being mounted inboard of the main EV brake mount except the triggers could be too far away from your thumbs to change gear comfortably.

...will be...

I have this situation on my fat bike. I have a mix-n-match drivetrain using a Shimano XT M780 10-speed shifter, SLX M7100 12-speed derailleur with an Advent-X 11-48T 10-speed cassette. I could not use I-Spec EV XT M8100 brake levers in any workable way, and am using older XT M785 brake levers mated to the M8120 calipers instead.

 

[SteveJewels]

I am debating whether to go M7000 levers and calipers or some other Shimano calipers. M7000 calipers are probably fine for my needs but the urge to upgrade is tempting, especially since those calipers are out of production so I would have to choose between NOS or used.

 

[Reaperactual]

F.y.i. I have M7000 levers and swapped out the original calipers for M7100's, absolutely fine with no compatibility issues.

Banjo hose fittings are the same for M7000 and M7100 (except for colour) but the banjo bolt is configured differently and on the inboard side on the M7100 version. The new banjo bolt isn't included for caliper only purchases in most cases so I specifically bought 'fitted but never used' calipers off ebay with their specific banjo bolts included.

Just like @rete has done, I'm currently eyeing up swapping out the front caliper for an M7120 four pot which, (this and any other 4 pot Shimano caliper) as far as I'm concerned will also have zero issues being mated to M7000 levers.

 

[SteveJewels]

I found some NOS M7000 brake levers and M7100 calipers, and RT76 160mm rotors

 

[Reaperactual]

A fine, workable combo and a good choice imo. 😎👍

I guess if you still have an itch to 'upgrade', a relatively cheap, common and easy braking power improvement would be bigger rotor/s, maybe 160 to 180mm? 🤔

I also went from a stock 180 to 203mm (6 bolt, RT66) rotor on the front.

Just throwing the idea out there while you're shopping around. 🪙🪙

 

[SteveJewels]

I really appreciate your help. You made it happen for me.

I do my fitness grinding on a trainer. When I go outside it is mostly to enjoy being outside. I'll ride easy trails and don't see myself doing anything particularly aggressive. I live in SW Ohio, not much for hills let alone mountains.

Besides, I am 65. I break too easy and heal slowly. LOL

If I find later I want more braking power I will do as you suggested. Get a couple of adaptors and rotors and done.

 

[Reaperactual]

My pleasure Sir, glad I could help in a small way. 🙂

I don't bounce like I used to either....😆

Gotta keep fit any way possible but nothing quite like getting out there and enjoying nature, ultimately that's what it's all about.

Enjoy your build, getting outdoors and happy trails! 🚵‍♂️👍💯