Shimano's SLX groupset has been celebrated as the everyday rider's groupset since it was released, so when Shimano announced news of a full revamp, the company immediately piqued our interest. Introducing both functional and aesthetic upgrades, Shimano redefined what's expected of a workhorse groupset. We'd be thrilled to spec a new do-it-all trail frame with a one-by SLX drivetrain, adding the Shimano SLX BL-M7000 Disc Brake to give us the reassurance that we'll have long-lasting stopping power for every unknown situation we can't help but dive into. Taking inspiration from its pricier XT and XTR drivetrains, Shimano aimed to shave weight and enhance responsiveness with the BL-M7000. Sure, older SLX brakes functioned well enough, but these have been cleaned up to function even closer to their pricier siblings. They'll still weigh more than XT, but the gap has been narrowed without a matching increase in price. A more streamlined master cylinder saves weight on the main caliper body, while slimmer clamps reduce clutter on the bars. Shimano revisited its Servo Wave cam system when updating the levers, making subtle alterations to improve power and responsiveness when you squeeze them fast ahead of a steep, unexpected switchback. Though they are not included with this brakeset, the Centerlock rotors weren't spared the wave of Shimano's wand, returning with an alloy carrier and new shape that enables them to more efficiently dissipate heat.