ShimanoZEE BL-M640 Disc Brake
Item # SHI002C
ZEE BL-M640 Disc Brake
Shimano’s Zee lineup is built for hard chargers, and perhaps nowhere is this clearer than the BL-M640 Zee Disc Brake. Based on the World Cup winning Saint brake, the Zee brake takes the same four-piston caliper, and mixes in a simplified lever body to keep the cost significantly lower. However, there’s effectively no loss in power. If you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of bling, these are arguably mountain biking’s best value in high-powered braking systems.
The Zee brake shares the four-piston caliper with its shinier Saint sibling, meaning that you get the same enormous stopping power afforded by all four heat-dissipating ceramic cylinders. You’ll notice that the cylinders are two different sizes, which helps control the onset of the braking forces. While you might think that the four-piston design would make the power uncontrollable, on the contrary, we find that they’re actually easier to modulate than Shimano’s two-piston offerings, while offering noticeably more power when you really dig in. And that’s a large part of why you’ll find these mounted to high-velocity trail bikes more often than you might expect.
If the lever looks familiar, that may be because the body is nearly identical to Shimano’s SLX brake. It trades in the tool-free reach adjuster in favor of dimpled, non-slip lever blades, which help to keep you in control when the going gets rough. The levers feature Shimano’s Servo Wave actuation, which gives you more lever travel off the top, allowing the pads to sit farther away from the rotor and reducing rubbing. When you get deeper into the stroke, and the pads engage, Servo Wave acts like a cam, developing an incredible amount of power, despite the lever’s stubby profile. While the reach adjustment requires an Allen wrench, it’s still easily achievable, meaning that you give up nearly nothing to the Zee brake’s more expensive Saint counterparts.
The Shimano BL-M640 Zee Brake is available in either right, or left, and in the color Gray. Please note: the BL-M460 brakes are sold without disc rotors or brake adapters.
- Hydraulic disc brakes with 4-piston calipers
- Shorty levers with dimpled lever blade (reach adjustable with Allen)
- Metallic H03C brake pad
- One-way bleed servicing
- Rotors and adapters not included
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What do you think about this product?
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March 13, 2020
Which side is for which brake?
Damond
March 11, 2020
What's a J-kit?
Damond
February 25, 2020
what does j kit stand for
rand miller
January 27, 2020
Whats is the difference between: "one color Rear" and "one color Right"
Oscar R.
June 30, 2019
Just wanted to confirm these come with h03c pads. It says d01s in description and h03c in q&a.
Andrew O.
June 23, 2019
Are the hoses included? If so, are they ready to bolt up and go, or do they need to be filled and bled?
William M.
April 30, 2019
wow
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
wow what a difference good brakes make
shane teano
January 12, 2019
Are the options for US, such as the left being front and right being rear?
James Holt
November 28, 2018
Crisp and Clean
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I’ve ridden XTs RSC Ultimates and these. And these are the ones I like the most. They are slightly heavier than others but the consistency wins the day. I ride uphill only to ride down and the Zees dish out crisp stopping power that is more consistent than my RSC and Ultimates, and more powerful (less pull force required) than my XTs.
Ryan J.
June 23, 2018
Tons of power
I swapped out the brakes from XT8000, the have a ton of power and the brake fade that I was experiencing is now a thing of the past. I will say that the lever feel is quite a bit different than what I was used to, but after a few rides they feel normal to me.
Mimi
April 12, 2018
are these sold as a set front & rear?
Cliff D.
Todd Frein
May 3, 2018
No Cliff these are sold individually. For a set, you will want to purchase both the "Left" and "Right" sets. If you any further questions on these though, be sure to reach out to me directly at tfrein@competitivecyclist.com and 805-705-7305
April 10, 2018
Does the ZEE brake assembly come with pads?
Blu666
Todd Frein
May 3, 2018
Yes a pair of Shimano H03C metallic pads are included. If you any further questions on these though, be sure to reach out to me directly at tfrein@competitivecyclist.com and 801-619-7479
December 24, 2017
Powerful
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
The Zee brakes have signature Shimano stopping power at a very reasonable price. The Zee has almost all the features of the Saint brakes at a competitive price bracket. Dependable braking on any surface in any weather.
Chad Cordell
July 1, 2017
Stop!
Ideally the adjustments for throw length would be a knob you could turn by hand instead of needing an allen wrench, but it's not that often that you need to adjust them after you get things dialed in the way you want. They're relatively easy to bleed when the time comes. I like the shorter lever with grippy bumps on it
Adam
June 13, 2017
Full power!!
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
These brakes are outstanding!! Gobs of power, great modulation, Servo wave Link levers give the classic Shimano feel, and they look great. Small details like the gold accent glitter in the body makes them pop. Add some ice tech rotors with the included Ice tech pads, and you are good to go, or stop. The only downfall is they do not have the tool less reach adjust like Saint brakes do, but a quick turn of an alley wrench is all that is needed. Minimal issue to complain about.
Jeff Hall
May 26, 2017
Best brakes for the money
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
These breaks are awesome, they are fairly easy to install if you have the tools to do so. I love that Shimano uses mineral oil for all of their breaks, it is so much easier to work with and creates much less of a headache while cleaning up/ installing. Breaking in the breaks was quick and painless before the first ride and they worked flawlessly on my first DH ride. I installed these on my second bike and ill be buying another pair of these when the time comes.
Forbes S
October 28, 2016
Feel the power at your finger tips
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Seriously, these brakes have the power. I like the feel of Shimano brakes when I run the levers in towards the bar. No need to death grip to stop with these, a light pull with one finger slows the wheels with the 4 piston caliper. Would highly recommend these to anyone who likes to ride fast or has a bit more weight to slow down.
Dane H.
August 21, 2016
Are these I-Spec B compatible? I have a XT I-Spec B shifter and don't wanna have to buy another one if I can help it.
Shuan
August 14, 2016
Do these come with brake pads?
tig105957967-0
Connor Johnson
August 15, 2016
Howdy! The Zee brakes will include the finned Ice Tech brake pads with them, I apologize for the photo missing that. Give a shout at 801.204.4547 or cojohnson@backcountry.com if you have any other questions and i'd be happy to help! Cheers, Connor
June 1, 2016
best brakes for the money
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I love all shimano brakes but have a real love for the zee brakes, especially because I am on a budget and cant afford to spend all my money on saint brakes. Zee brakes are amazing, 4 piston not a whole lot of frills but they get the job done and grab really well. 5 star brakes and a 6th star for price
John Bamford
Daniel
January 20, 2019
Hi James, that is correct, the right brake is the rear and has a longer brake hose.