Shimano XTR BR-M950 V brake difference

[SantasLoneCruzer]

Not my image, but the same as my brakes, but why the different linkages? Presumably this differentiates the front and rear? Which is which?

 

[d8mok]

One is M950 and one is M951

 

[SantasLoneCruzer]

Thanks.
M951 being the one with the “solid” linkage?
So nothing more than a minor design iteration…?

 

[ishaw]

There are 3 different designs, possibly 4. I'm not sure of model numbers but there's the open linkage, closed linkage, I've seen some which seem to have a stamp rather than hole in the linkage, and then there's also the one with the spring on the linkage.

If you are after trying to make a matching set, I've possibly got some odd pairs.

 

[SantasLoneCruzer]

rather annoyingly, both designs that I have are marked as m950….thanks for the offer @ishaw, I’ll try and ignore my OCD and keep the mismatched pair, purely because they are in as near NOS condition as you’ll get, but not from being kept in a box, actually used.

 

[ishaw]

I have the same OCD.

 

[Once A Hero]

I thought it was generational thing more than a change in M95X number.
I believe the solid bar type was first generation.
@FluffyChicken might know better?

 

[ishaw]

Open bar type were earlier, the later, including the last generation in m970 were solid bar, at least I think that's the order

 

[FluffyChicken]

M950 Cut away are originals.

M951 had solid bar but also gained the new fangled tech of an added spring on the brake block mount.

If you have M950 without cutaways for some reason, then they're a bit in between* or been fixed with new bits.

*can't remember if a thing and don't wish to turn the brain on just yet.