Sram Vs Shimano Brakes

Shimano & Sram are two of the world’s biggest bike brake manufacturers. Both companies provide incredibly popular brakes, specced as original equipment on many bikes, covering mountain bikes and road bikes - and being bought by cyclists upgrading with a system from either SRAM or Shimano. Opinions on which brakes are best vary, and on the whole - those who like SRAM brakes do not like using Shimano Brakes and vice versa.

Sram Vs Shimano Brakes - Which Are Best?

Unfortunately, we will wriggle our way out of answering this question. The truth is that both companies have a long history of of producing the very best bike components, covering both high end components and entry level parts. One of the most important things in having the best braking performance on any bike, is to have the brakes set up correctly - even the best braking systems can feel poor if they are not set up correctly.

Sram Vs Shimano Brakes - Which Are Lighter?

SRAM Brakes are lighter than Shimano Brakes across the full range, only just!

Sram Vs Shimano Brakes - Which Are More Expensive?

Shimano Brakes are slightly cheaper than SRAM Brakes, across comparable models.

Sram Vs Shimano Brakes - Which Are More Modular?

Though SRAM brakes have more modulation than Shimano Brakes - Modulation refers to the amount of pressure, you can vary by applying different pressure on the brake levers. This increase in modulation meant that some cyclists felt that SRAM brakes did not feel as sharp as they should have. Today, however, with advances in technology - we can report that SRAM brakes have both good modulation and an instant feeling of sharpness, which some may have missed on older models.

Shimano use a unique system to provide braking power; they have a technology called ServoWave. This means that at the beginning of the brake pull, the brakes feel harder - before getting easier to pull, encouraging a snappy pull. This makes the brakes feel powerful right from the start. ServoWave has gone through several changes, perfecting the solution.

SRAM and Shimano have made several improvements to their braking systems, bringing them very closely in line, regarding braking performance.

Sram Vs Shimano Brakes - Maintenance And Bleeding

The common train of thought here is that SRAM brakes are harder to bleed - and that whilst Shimano brakes are easier to bleed. Many cyclists also prefer Shimano brakes as they use mineral oil, which is less corrosive to bikes than dot fluid.

Shimano XT Brakes - SRAM Equivalent

The Shimano XT groupset is one of the market's most popular braking systems and groupsets. It’s not the most expensive system in the world, but it delivers plenty of performance within a sensible budget. Many riders moving to an SRAM system from Shimano are looking for the comparable SRAM groupset, the GX Eagle Groupset. It’s also a great system and slightly cheaper than the Shimano Groupset.

Shimano & SRAM - Are The Brake Pads The Same?

Shimano & Sram brake pads are different, so they are not compatible with one another. Always ensure you buy the right brake pad for your bike, or they won’t fit!

Shimano & SRAM - Are They Compatible?

Although some parts are compatible, it’s very difficult to guarantee which component will work. Brake Rotors are usually compatible with different systems as long as they are the same size and the brake track can match up.

If you do have different size brake rotors, an adapter can bridge the gap. Other parts are incompatible, and the systems use different brake fluids.

Shimano & Sram - Final Thoughts

Whatever brakes you choose, you will be guaranteed to enjoy a strong performance from the groupset. Both SRAM and Shimano are at the top of the bike component game, and their brake products reflect that. It’s down to personal preference, as to which model you will prefer.