Galfer Performance brake pads for Shimano XTR M965/M975, XT M765/M775 and Saint M800

The Galfer Performance brake pad FD294G1053 fits older Shimano disc brakes such as the XTR BR-M965 and BR-M975, XT BR-M765 and BR-M775, Saint BR-M800, SLX BR-M665 and Deore LX, as well as the TRP Dash Carbon. The black Performance compound G1053 is Galfer’s all-rounder for XC, trail, and enduro: high braking power, fade-resistant, and very durable, even in mud.

Compatibility

According to Galfer, pad shape FD294 fits these brakes:

• Shimano XTR: BR-M965, BR-M966 and BR-M975 as well as XTR 2003 to 2007
• Shimano XT: BR-M765, BR-M775 and BR-M776 as well as Saint XT 2004 to 2007
• Shimano Saint: BR-M800
• Shimano SLX: BR-M665
• Shimano LX and Deore LX: BR-M585, BR-M655, BR-T605 and BR-T665
• Shimano Deore: BR-M535, BR-M595 and BR-M596
• Shimano Alfine: BR-S500 and BR-S501
• Other Shimano: BR-M545, BR-R505 and HoneE BR-M601
• TRP: Dash Carbon

Please check the model and year of your brake caliper before purchasing, or compare your old pad with the image and dimensions on this page. Current Shimano brakes use other shapes: 2-piston calipers such as the XT BR-M8100 use FD452 (Galfer Performance for Shimano 2-piston), 4-piston calipers such as the XT BR-M8120 and Saint BR-M820 use FD426 (Galfer Performance for Shimano 4-piston).

Galfer Performance G1053: the all-rounder

Galfer gives the Performance compound top marks for durability and rates braking power, fade resistance, and performance in wet and muddy conditions as good. This compound was previously known as Standard.

• Organic-semi-metallic, asbestos-free friction compound
• For XC, trail, and enduro
• Black backing plate
• Dimensions according to Galfer: 34.3 × 27.3 mm

Which Galfer compound is right for you?

We offer the FD294 pad shape in the Galfer Performance compound. You can find more on the differences in our brake pad buying guide.

What's in the box

1 pair of pads for one caliper. For front and rear, order 2.

Disc due as well?

New pads only brake properly on a disc in good condition. Measure the disc when you change the pads: if it is below the minimum thickness, warped or deeply scored, it's best to replace it together with the pads. Matching Galfer discs:

• Shark: 6-bolt · Center Lock, one-piece, for enduro, downhill and e-MTB
• Shark EVO: 6-bolt · Center Lock, two-piece with aluminium carrier for even better cooling
• Wave Fixed 2.0 mm: 6-bolt · Center Lock, for e-MTBs, enduro and heavier riders
• Wave Fixed 1.8 mm: 6-bolt · Center Lock, the classic Wave in 1.8 mm, 160 to 203 mm
• Wave Floating V2: 6-bolt, two-piece with coloured pins, 180 and 203 mm

Compare all discs: Galfer brake discs. With 2.0 mm discs, check that your caliper has room for them.

Installation and replacement

• Always replace all pads in a brake caliper at the same time.
• Push the pistons back straight before inserting the pads, preferably using a plastic lever—never use a screwdriver directly on the piston.
• Keep the disc and pads free of grease; Galfer Brake Cleaner is suitable for cleaning.
• Shimano defines 0.5 mm pad thickness as the wear limit.

Frequently asked questions

Does the pad fit my Shimano XT BR-M8120?

No, the current 4-piston XT BR-M8120 needs shape FD426. This shape FD294 fits the older XT BR-M765, BR-M775 and BR-M776.

Does the pad fit the Shimano Saint BR-M820?

No, the Saint BR-M810 and BR-M820 use shape FD426. This shape FD294 fits the older Saint BR-M800.

How do I bed in new pads?

On a flat, safe stretch: brake several times from medium speed down to walking pace, using each brake individually. Shimano recommends at least 20 cycles per brake.

What is Galfer Performance suitable for?

For almost everything from XC to trail and enduro.

We ship Galfer brake pads from our Swiss warehouse. Unsure if the pad fits? Send us a photo of your brake caliper—we will tell you which pad is the right one.