Shimano XTR M988 Trail Disc Brake Set
For the latest XTR groupset, Shimano have offered up their flagship mountain bike components in 2 distinct flavours; "Race" and "Trail". Realising that not just XC riders want to experience the crisp shifting and smooth braking that comes with components featuring the XTR logo, Shimano have adapted some key parts to make them suitable for harder All Mountain riding. As a result, the XTR brakes now come in a Trail version that while a bit heavier than the Race model, features a number of key features that will suit riders after more adjustability, stronger braking and dependability for when they're flying downhill at 60kp/h. If this sounds like you, the shiny Chrome XTR brakes should be at the top of your list when it comes to choosing a disc brake for your 4-6" travel mountain bike.

Ice Tech
Brought to the market in 2011 with the gorgeous XTR groupset, the Ice-Tech system is a collection of small details that add up to create a better brake that is more capable of dissipating heat. While the Race and Trail models share the same calliper, the M988 Trail brake gets the awesome new XTR finned IceTech brake pads. Extending the backing plate up and out of the calliper, the pads feature a series of fins that increase air flow and thusly heat dissipation. With less heat on the pads, the Mineral Oil inside the brake calliper is kept at a more consistent temperature and the result is stronger braking that doesn't fade on long descents. Though when it comes time to replace them, not only do you have your choice of Resin or Sintered pads, you can select finned or non-finned pads too, depending on your needs. Another key area that has seen change is the use of full Oversized Ceramic Pistons that not only increase surface area and thus braking force, but are also less heat-affected than metallic pistons and continue the theme of fade-free performance. Compared to the Deore XT and SLX brakes, the XTR model gets a 1-piece calliper that is forged and machined out a single piece of Alloy to reduce weight over the bolted 2-piece units. 

Like the Race M985 brakes, the M988 models get an inline Master Cylinder that uses a far shorter lever blade that is not only lighter but also much stiffer. This provides a solid braking feel and allows for easy 1-finger braking. However, a larger fluid reservoir houses both a tool-free lever reach adjuster and the legendary Free Stroke adjustment, differing the M988 from the Race model. The new split lever clamp improves ergonomics over the previous model as it allows the user to remove and install the brake levers without having to remove shifter pods or grips. And if you're running the new XTR shifters, you can integrate the 2 with the I-Spec mount that bolts the shifter onto the brake lever clamp, reducing weight and providing a super clean setup for your cockpit.

On The Trail
As with the latest generation disc brakes from Shimano, the XTR's provide a substantial boost in power compared to previous models when used with the same size rotors. The shorter lever blade and redesigned bleed process allows for a really solid feel to the brake lever, particularly when pulling hard on steep descents. Where the XTR's really shine however, is on continuous descents where you're dragging the brakes for long periods of time and the feel at the lever remains consistent from top to bottom. When used with the XTR IceTech rotors, the finned pads strip heat away from the brake surface and reduce an possible chance of brake fade. In terms of ergonomics, being able to adjust the levers "Free Stroke" means you can dictate at what point through the levers movement that the pads will hit the rotor. For gear freaks and picky riders, this is an excellent way to setup your brakes just how you want them and combined with the reach adjuster, provides the ideal setup for every rider.
If your concern is raw power, modulation, adjustability and you frequent trails that feature long and techy descents, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the XTR trail brake.

 

The Shimano XTR M988 Trail Disc Brake Set features: