Why can't you 1-finger brake? is it the ergonomics of the lever or not enough power with just 1 finger?

If its ergonomics, swapping levers likely won't help since the Shimano line is relatively consistent until you get to the higher end. If its not enough power, than your brakes probably aren't set up correctly.

 

It's the design of the lever, it has a flat profile where the deore and up Shimano's are curved. My brakes are setup great and have plenty of power for my local trails. Do you know if I can just swap out the levers without buying the calipers?

 

It's the design of the lever, it has a flat profile where the deore and up Shimano's are curved.

Really? Looking at the 365 on-line the levers look similar to Deore etc. Most Shimano levers are similar.

can you swap them? Probably. The outer diameter of all Shimano hoses are the same so they will fit no problem. The inner bore in different on newer brakes, narrower, but that shouldn't cause a problem. The amount of fluid pushed through by the lever might be different though so it will work, could work perfectly but might not.

Just seems odd. One finger braking isn't down to the lever really, it's down to the power of the brake. You could swap the lever but I doubt it will achieve what you hope it will.

 

I really don't want to argue the fact they are different, I agree the deore and up levers are similar but my lower end ones are much longer and less angled than those. I just rented a higher end bike last weekend at my local trail for fun and they had SLX brakes and the design is completely different. Thanks for your input but still looking for a definite yes or no, I'll call my bike shop they should know too.

 

I don't know if anyone will be able to answer your question with genuine 1st hand experience, or the engineering knowledge needed for a definite answer. With the relatively cheap price of Deore or SLX complete brakes, to me, it makes more sense investing in one of those sets and putting your current brakes on eBay to recoup some money, rather than spending darn near as much Frankensteining up something as important as your brakes.

 

New XT brakes are almost $200 for the front and back, SLX are about $20 cheaper so it would just make sense to go with XT. I don't want to spend that kind of money on something that works fine but ergonomically sucks which is why I just wanted to swap out the levers. The levers are about $80-90 for front and back...

 

I know that Shimano specs different hoses with their various levels of brakes.... Different fluid volumes, and maybe even burst strengths.

To me, self engineering brakes is like self engineering a helmet..... Something I simply want no part of.

Good luck!

BTW: You can get a pair of SLX 7000 brakes shipped to your door for $161. You could probably clear at least $30 back on your brakes selling them on eBay.

So for $131, you can have new top level brakes.

Shimano SLX BR-M7000 Disc Brake > Components > Brakes & Shifters > Mountain Brake Sets | Jenson USA

 

Looks like I'm ordering some new brakes, thanks for the advise everyone...

 

I just had a look at my Deore 615 and XT 785 brakes and the lever profiles are identical. Have to say though that the older 486 brakes have a lever that is exactly the same except longer, the hook on the end is exactly the same as the Deore/XT.

 

Cheaper Shimano levers have long blades...IDK the model designation, but you see them on inexpensive bikes.