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mixing & matching brake levers & calipers?


downhilldemon

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hi. just wondering if you have to use the same model/make brake levers and calipers on hydraulic brakes. can you use a different lever to caliper?

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We were debating this same topic some time ago...

 

I would be interested to hear what the guys have to say.

 

 

 

There are the obvious things like mineral oil vs DOT - they must be the same, but for the rest - I am not sure...

 

 

 

 

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O yes, and I have seen CRC selling XTR levers with XT calipers or visa versa, one of the two anyway

 

 

 

From Shimanos FAQ:

 

 

 

How interchangeable are Shimano's hydraulic disc brake systems?

 

 

 

All Shimano hydraulic disc brake systems are interchangeable. Depending on the model of the brake lever and caliper, the connections may differ and could require replacing of the hose and/or the connection fitting, but the brake levers and calipers are fully compatible.

 

 

 

That said - I am not sure if the older calipers will be able to handle the pressure of the servowave (?) levers.Wernervdmerwe2009-06-23 13:35:33

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The servowave levers do not exert that much more pressure than a standard SHIMANO brake lever, their main function is to increase the initial amount of piston movement relative to lever movement so that you get quicker pad contact. Hope that makes sense.

 

 

 

As for mixing various brands of lever with caliper, not advised as the piston are all different so will not work together properly.

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I was running XTR levers with Deore calipers till I'd saved up enough to get the real deal... I have seen Magura levers with XTR calipers on Liam Killeens bike a couple years back-both mineral oil.

I'm also pretty sure you could get away with (for Example) Avid levers on Formula calipers as they are pretty close in design, However having said that I'm not reccomending you swop between brands, Just that it would be possible so long as the oils are the same.
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Yeah, shimano are all interchaingable... i run LX levers with XT calipers... work like a dream

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I'm running Saint levers with XTR calipers. No problem.

 

Been wondering about whether Tektro calipers or levers would work with Shimano.

 

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