Shimano Brake Pads Engineered for E-Bike Power
Shimano brakes are the most commonly used systems on electric bikes, from MT-Series commuter brakes to powerful 4-piston units such as Deore, SLX, XT, XTR and Saint. Each caliper type requires a specific pad shape, and choosing the correct one is essential for safe and powerful e-bike braking.
Compatible Shimano E-Bike Brake Models
- Shimano MT-Series: MT200, MT201, MT400, MT410, MT420, MT500, MT520
- Deore: BR-M4100, M5100, M6000, M6100, M6120
- SLX: BR-M7100 (2-piston), M7120 (4-piston)
- XT: BR-M8100 (2-piston), M8120/M8220 (4-piston)
- XTR: BR-M9100 (2-piston), M9120/M9220 (4-piston)
- Saint: BR-M820 (4-piston)
- Zee: BR-M640 (4-piston)
- CUES: BR-U3000 / U4000 / U6000
- GRX: RX400, RX600, RX810 (L/K Type pads)
Which Shimano Pad Type Do I Need?
Shimano pad shapes fall into four main families used across e-bike models:
- B-Series (B01S / B03S / B05S):
2-piston entry-level pads used on MT-Series, basic Deore and hybrid/commuter e-bikes.
Common on: MT200, MT400, MT410, M6000. - G / J-Series:
High-performance 2-piston pad family for SLX, XT and XTR.
G-Series: G03A/G05A/G04TI
J-Series: J03A/J05A (finned)
Common on: M7100, M8100, M9100. - D / H / N-Series (4-Piston Only):
Heavy-duty pad families designed for powerful E-MTB and gravity brakes.
- D-Type: Older but still common 4-piston pad shape (Deore/SLX/XT variants)
- H-Type: Modern 4-piston pad used on Deore M6120, SLX M7120, XT M8120/M8220, XTR M9120/M9220
- N-Type: Saint & Zee (M820/M640) heavy-duty gravity pads
- L / K-Series (GRX & Road Disc):
Used on gravel e-bikes and road disc systems.
Common on: RX400, RX600, RX810.
Best Compounds for Shimano E-Bikes
- Enduro Pro Ultimate: For steep terrain, long descents & high-power motors.
- Factory Racing E-Bike (Green): Designed for long lifespan and quiet, controlled braking.
- Sintered Metallic: Best for wet weather, heavy riders and alpine descents.
- Enduro Ceramic: Smooth braking with excellent heat stability.
Recommended for All E-Bike Riding Styles
- E-MTB: Enduro Pro Ultimate or Factory Racing E-Bike.
- Cargo / Delivery: Factory Racing E-Bike.
- Hybrid / Commuter: Semi-Metallic or Factory Racing E-Bike.
- Downhill / Technical: Enduro Pro Ultimate or Sintered Metallic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special brake pads for a Shimano e-bike?
Yes. E-bikes generate more heat, torque and braking load than regular bikes. Using e-bike-rated pads improves stopping power, durability and fade resistance.
Which Shimano brake pads last the longest on an e-bike?
Sintered metallic pads and Factory Racing and Enduro Pro E-Bike compounds provide the longest lifespan, especially for heavy riders or steep terrain.
What is the difference between D-Type, H-Type and N-Type Shimano pads?
D-Type fits all 4-piston Shimano brakes.
H-Type fits Shimano’s 4-piston brakes such as Deore M6120, SLX M7120 and XT M8120.
N-Type fits heavy-duty models like Saint and Zee. there are all the same shape
Which pads are best for Shimano 4-piston brakes on an e-MTB?
Enduro Pro Ultimate or Sintered pads offer the strongest bite and heat resistance for Deore, SLX, XT and XTR 4-piston systems.
Are Enduro Pro pads compatible with Shimano e-bike brakes?
Yes. Enduro Pro compounds are available for all major Shimano pad shapes and are ideal for e-MTB, enduro and downhill riding.
What pads should I use for commuting or cargo e-bikes?
Factory Racing E-Bike (Green) or Enduro pro pads provide smooth braking, long lifespan and low noise for daily riders.
How do I know which Shimano brake model I have?
Check the side of the caliper — it will show a code such as BR-M6100, BR-M8120 or BR-M820. Match that code with the pad type.
Are ceramic pads good for Shimano e-bikes?
Yes. Ceramic pads work well for heat management, smooth braking and rotor preservation, especially for commuters and gravel e-bikes.
Can Shimano Saint/Zee pads be used for e-bikes?
Absolutely. Saint and Zee were designed for high-power braking, making them excellent for heavy riders, steep terrain and E-MTB.