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The ability to smoothly slow down. To check up. To maintain control while riding the ragged edge. In mountain biking, few skills are more important than braking. Do it well, and you can safely ride faster on technical trails. Get it wrong, and things can unravel quickly.
Mastering braking technique takes practice, patience, skill, and, of course, reliable high-performance brakes. SHIMANO can't help with the former. That's all up to you. But when it comes to developing the best mountain bike brakes, our pursuit of improvement never ends.
The latest example of that commitment arrives with the new, thicker SHIMANO rotors, now available in 200 mm and 220 mm for both 6-bolt and CENTER LOCK hubs. At the same time, SHIMANO expands its advanced hydraulic disc brake technology into the DEORE lineup, rounding out a complete range of performance-focused mountain bike braking options.
Rooted in SHIMANO's gravity-driven heritage, the new 6-Bolt DISC BRAKE ROTOR 2.2MM THICKNESS and CENTER LOCK DISC BRAKE ROTOR 2.2MM THICKNESS stand confidently on their own as a premium braking upgrade. Designed for the demands of modern long-travel, enduro, downhill, and e-MTB riding, these rotors bring added durability and control to steep, technical terrain.
Available in 200 mm and 220 mm sizes for both 6-bolt (RT-6B750) and CENTER LOCK (RT-CL750), the rotors increase thickness from 1.75 mm to 2.2 mm and are compatible with all new-generation 4-piston SHIMANO brakes including XTR, DEORE XT, and DEORE. The thicker rotors improve heat management for smoother modulation and reduced hand fatigue on long, demanding descents.
The added thickness also increases overall rotor lifespan and provides greater impact resistance, reducing the risk of bending a rotor in a crash. And by moving from 203 mm to 200 mm, SHIMANO simplifies brake setup and alignment, requiring fewer shims or adaptors for optimal caliper-to-rotor fit, a change that will eventually trickle down to other SHIMANO rotors.
Rounding out SHIMANO's latest braking evolution, new DEORE brake levers and calipers benefit directly from trickle-down technology developed at the XTR and DEORE XT levels. The result is refined power delivery and predictable modulation that remains consistent across changing terrain and temperatures. Whether you’re scrubbing speed into a technical rock garden or managing traction on a steep, slick descent, DEORE delivers confidence when it matters.
The updated DEORE system allows riders to tailor braking performance to their needs, pairing a single-lever (BL-M6200) with either a powerful four-piston caliper (BR-M6220) or a lighter two-piston option (BR-M6200). Upgraded internal seals and SHIMANO's reformulated low-viscosity mineral oil ensure smooth fluid flow between lever and caliper, maintaining consistent braking feel in both hot and cold conditions.
The lever feature SHIMANO's SERVO WAVE track for faster pad engagement and smooth, controllable power ramp-up. Matched with the newly designed calipers, the system delivers stable piston rebound and reliable performance across long descents and changing trail conditions. With technology proven at the highest levels now available in DEORE, riders gain dependable stopping power built for real-world trail riding.
Add it all up, and SHIMANO's new thick rotors for all new-generation 4-piston SHIMANO brakes and the new DEORE brake updates deliver versatile, confidence-inspiring upgrades, helping riders push harder, brake later, and stay in control wherever the trail leads.
