Deore M6100 vs SLX M6100 vs XT M8100 brakes

As far as I can tell, functionally the only difference between the M6100 and M7100 is finish/logos and the latter is supplied with metallic & finned brakes pads. M8100 gets different logos and better pads again, plus a free stroke adjustment.

Is this correct or is there anything else different/better with the more expensive brake set?

Based on price difference, I suspect the M7100 is best value as the stock pads more than make up the price difference to the M6100…

Or is the free stroke adjustment worth an extra 25% cost?

As far as I can tell, functionally the only difference between the M6100 and M7100 is finish/logos and the latter is supplied with metallic & finned brakes pads.

SLX levers have a dial so you can change how close the lever is to the bar. Deore has the same adjustment, but you need an allen key, so it’s slightly less convenient, but not a big deal ime. I wouldn’t be too bothered about the OE pads tbh, my SLX caliper came with ordinary Shimano resin pads, probably OEM.

Deore doesn’t have the adjustable banjo angle on the caliper.

Which ones come with ceramic pistons? I thought it used to just be XT/XTR but dunno now? I guess that would make a slight difference to heat dissipation.

There’s probably a small difference in weight.

I’d go SLX

I’ve got the 6100s and miss the tool free lever reach adjustment.

Slx and xt have Banjo hose connection,  ceramic pistons and threaded pad retainer hole to use a screw rather than split pin.

Xt has reach adjust which is fairly useless on Shimano brakes ime.

Slx has tool free reach adjust

Deore has Allen key reach adjust

For me the most reliable combination of Shimano brake parts is deore levers with slx or xt calipers.

I’ve ordered the SLX versions 👍

Good choice!

“Xt has reach adjust which is fairly useless on Shimano brakes ime.”

It works fine if you bleed the brakes with the screw wound out.

Super impressed with the m6120;s that came on my trek, actually slightly nicer feel than the zees which I’ve always used

Always happy to have an Allen key reach adjust, i do not want tool free, i literally adjust them when new or bled, that’s the only time

Always happy to have an Allen key reach adjust, i do not want tool free, i literally adjust them when new or bled, that’s the only time

I think I’d be happy for all fork and shock adjustments to require a hex key.

It works fine if you bleed the brakes with the screw wound out.

It works fine, however I, and everyone I’ve met, just run it all the way to “bite as soon as possible”, which is the same as levers without adjust.

My Orbea Rise came with Deore 2 pots , I was advised to upgrade to XT 4 pots . Nearly 2 years later the stock ones have been fine and dandy, turns out I’m not this downhill demon that people thought I was 😁