Whether you like to tour, race or just commute with your bicycle, you will certainly know the importance of good brakes! Brakes can make the difference between safety and accidents, and a split second’s difference can keep you alive or get you injured or dead!
Not only that, if you like to race, then a proper braking system is necessary for a steady deceleration and less strain on your hands.
In general, hydraulic brakes provide enough power to prevent muscle fatigue while working reliably.
Shimano has some great hydraulic brakes, so we bring to you the Shimano MT200 review below.
If you would like to know about these decent entry-level brakes, then read on!
Shimano MT200 Review
Shimano is a company that has become very popular worldwide since its establishment in 1921.
Bicycle components, fishing tackle, and rowing equipment of various designs and qualities are manufactured by Shimano.
The MT200 disc brakes fall into the category of Shimano’s Altus, which are made for entry-level bikes.
That, however, does not by any means mean that they are of low quality! Shimano proves that just because something is reasonably priced doesn’t mean it has to be of poor quality.
And the MT200 line brings front and rear brakes, the front one being called ‘left’ or BL, and the rear one being called BR.
These are hydraulic disc brakes, meaning that they produce very little noise while giving good performance.
Unreliability can be a big issue with bicycle brakes as they can lead to accidents when in a pinch!
Luckily, that is definitely not going to be an issue with this product. The front brakes contain a 3-finger lever for the left side, which is made of rigid steel, and painted aluminum is used for the master cylinder.
The MT200 is particularly suitable for small hands, and as such, contains a minimum reach of 75 mm.
This makes it very easy to reach the lever. As the design is diverse, this unit is compatible with a wide range of bicycles, even though it is targetted at mountain bikes.
Entry-level cyclists will have no problem using these brakes as the power has been adjusted for them.
Ease of maintenance is also ensured with the MT200, as these brakes come pre-bled.
The rear brakes come with a caliper made of steel, and a construction containing 2-pistons made of resin.
These ensure good control while stopping or slowing down, with consistent deceleration.
An average of about 15 minutes is all it takes to install these brakes, so it’s quite easy to do so, even for beginners.
The bleeding style is funnel bleeding, and the fluid used is mineral oil. All this makes for very clean and easy installation and maintenance.
Moreover, the hose lengths for the front and rear brakes come at 800/1500 mm or 800/1650 mm, so there is a choice there.
Both the brakes are pretty light, so there won’t be much of an added weight to your bike, slowing you down.
A down-side is that rotors are not provided, so they need to be bought separately.
Even though a mounting bracket is included with the product, it might not be enough for everyone.
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Continental Gator Hardshell vs. Gatorskin
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the Shimano MT200:
Do these come with brake pads, or do they have to be bought separately?
Yes, they come with brake pads.
What is the hardware made of?
It’s made of steel.
Which brake rotors should be used with the MT200?
SM-RT10 and SM-RT26 are recommended.
What type of bleeding system does this product have?
It has a one-way bleeding system.
Can I use these with electric bikes?
Yes, as long as you have the right mounts.
Final Verdict
If you have read through the Shimano MT200 review above, then you clearly understand what a catch it is.
At an affordable price, you are getting decent brakes that are both easy to control and maintain. Not only that, but they also produce very little noise as well.
So if you are an entry-level cyclist, especially with small hands, then this unit will suit you greatly, regardless of the type of bike you have.
If brakes are on your radar, then there is very little that can go wrong with these ones.
