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Item # SHI002C
Item # SHI002CHigh-powered.
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 D01S brake pad
- One-way bleed servicing
- Rotors and adapters not included
View more Mountain Bike Brakes
Reviews & Community
REVIEWS
James HoltAre the options for US, such as the left being front and right being rear?
DanielGearheadHi James, that is correct, the right brake is the rear and has a longer brake hose.
Ryan J.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.
MimiEmployeeTons 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.
Edward P.
Avg. ride time: 2h 58m per week- Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.
Best brakes I've ever used
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I put these brakes on my Pivot Firebird. The XT 8000 brakes that came on the Firebird were good, but these blow them away. These offer much more stopping power -- I've never felt any fade or heard any noise. These inspire more confidence, which allows me to ride faster because I know I can slow down/stop when needed.
Cliff D.are these sold as a set front & rear?
Todd FreinGearheadNo 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
Blu666Does the ZEE brake assembly come with pads?
Todd FreinGearheadYes 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
Chad CordellEmployeePowerful
- 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.
AdamStop!
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
Jeff HallGearheadFull 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.
Forbes SBest 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.
Dane H.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.
ShuanAre 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.
tig105957967-0Do these come with brake pads?
Connor JohnsonGearheadHowdy! 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
John BamfordGearheadbest 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
Ryan LoganZEE Best Brakes
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Zee's are simply awesome. I have owned M820 Saints and will always love those brakes. I mean who doesn't love gold colored things?
The Zee's do lack the bling of the Saints. Let's be honest though, when you're going Mach 10 down a chute, to a drop , and then need to slow down and hit your apex before you fall off a 20 foot shelf, the last thing you care about is your bling.
The tool less reach adjustment on the Saints is nice for on the fly touches. Its really not a deal breaker for the Zee's though. One alan key later, a couple of turns, and you have got you levers dialed perfectly.
I highly recommend Zee brakes.
To discuss more wonderful products feel free to reach out to me @ rlogan@backcountry.com
Richard BoltAre these front or rear brakes (or both)?
Karim AfeicheBest brakes for the price!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I upgraded both right and left brakes on my Voltage FR and I must say that I don't have to worry anymore about reliability or heating pads/rotors.
These brakes give me the absolute confidence to ride faster and more aggressive.
The front brakes cable was a bit too long so had to shorten it and blead the brakes again.
If you're an agressive rider and don't want to spend money on the Saint, look no further.
SDKennethIn love
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I upgraded from Elixir R and I love them. I've used the Saints M820 on a Pivot Phoenix DH bike and these feel the same, only thing missing is just the lever adjustment. I'd say for maximum power, upgrade to metal pads and quality rotors. Otherwise, if you're coming from any other brake system, you will notice a huge difference.
Jon JIncludes Ice Tech brake pads
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
These Zee brakes include the finned Ice Tech brake pads
Ignacio M.amazing brakes
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I did not buy these on C. Cyclist but still want to review them
If you ride AM or DH please look no further and get these brakes. Amazing power, they don't over heat and have good modulation. I have not tested the Saint's, but a friend of mine who runs them tells me the difference is barely noticeable.
I have used SLX, Avid Juicy 7, XT's and these are by far worth the extra 50 bucks.
Bling city!