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If you’re looking to maintain your Shimano hydraulic disc brakes at home, you’re likely choosing between the BleedZone Premium kit and the Borgen Pro kit. Both are popular, all-in-one sets, but they differ in a key way: the BleedZone includes 120ml of Shimano oil, while the Borgen Pro packs 200ml total of generic mineral oil.
This comparison is for any rider who wants to save money on shop fees and do their own brake bleeds. The real trade-off comes down to brand-specific oil versus wider brake compatibility. I’ve tested both to see which kit makes the job easier.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Borgen Pro Brake Bleed Kit
Wider compatibility for Shimano, Tektro & TRP brakes with 200ml of oil — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BleedZone Premium Kit
Includes 120ml of genuine Shimano mineral oil for purists — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve pulled the exact numbers from each kit’s listing so you can see the real differences side-by-side.
The specs show a clear split: the Borgen Pro wins on oil volume and compatibility, while the BleedZone kit is more focused, offering genuine Shimano oil and extra accessories like gloves.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each kit on my own bikes to see how they performed in a real garage setup. Here’s my honest take on what each one does well and where it falls short.
Borgen Brake Bleed Kit PRO for Shimano
200ml Mineral Oil | Shimano, Tektro, TRP Compatible | Video Guide | 4.4 Stars (366)
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY – Brake Bleeder Kit works with Shimano, Tektro & TRP...
- VIDEO TUTORIAL INCLUDED – Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions...
- REUSABLE – Brake Bleeding Kit includes 2x 100ml high-quality mineral oil...
I found this kit to be the most versatile option for a home mechanic. The 200ml of oil is enough for 8-12 bleeds, which is fantastic if you have multiple bikes or plan to help friends. The included video guide was clear and made the process straightforward, even on my Tektro brakes. My only gripe is that it doesn’t include a bleed block or gloves, which are nice to have for a clean job.
✅ Pros
- Huge 200ml oil supply for many uses
- Works with three major brake brands
- Helpful video tutorial for beginners
- Klick-on adapter makes connections secure
❌ Cons
- No bleed block or gloves included
- Uses generic oil, not Shimano-branded
BleedZone Shimano Brake Bleed Kit with Mineral Oil
120ml Shimano Oil | Shimano MTB Only | Includes Gloves & Block | 4.6 Stars (1,242)
- COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID BLEEDER KIT FOR SHIMANO BRAKES: This all-in-one...
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN WITH ESSENTIAL TOOLS: Featuring a Shimano bleed kit...
- PREMIUM QUALITY MINERAL OIL FOR BIKE BRAKES: With 120ml of Shimano mineral...
This kit is perfect if you’re a Shimano purist who only works on mountain bikes. The 120ml of genuine Shimano mineral oil gave me peace of mind, and I really appreciated the included gloves and universal bleed block. The QR code linked to a solid tutorial. However, the big limitation is right in the name: it only works with Shimano MTB brakes. If you have road bikes or other brands, you’re out of luck.
✅ Pros
- Includes genuine 120ml Shimano mineral oil
- Gloves and universal bleed block included
- Higher customer rating of 4.6 stars
- Clear compatibility for Shimano MTB users
❌ Cons
- Only compatible with Shimano mountain bike brakes
- Less total oil volume than the Borgen kit
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, I can tell you there’s no single “best” kit. Your choice comes down to what’s in your garage and how picky you are about components. One is a versatile workhorse, and the other is a focused specialist.
Borgen Brake Bleed Kit PRO is right for you if…
- You own bikes with Shimano, Tektro, or TRP brakes and want one kit for all.
- You plan to do several bleeds a year and want the 200ml oil supply.
- You’re a visual learner who prefers a video guide over written instructions.
BleedZone Shimano Brake Bleed Kit is right for you if…
- You only service Shimano mountain bike brakes and insist on genuine Shimano mineral oil.
- You want the convenience of included gloves and a universal bleed block.
- You trust a product with a higher 4.6-star rating from over 1,200 reviews.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have SRAM, Magura, or Shimano road/gravel hydraulic brakes, neither of these kits is compatible. You’ll need to look for a kit specifically designed for those systems.
For most home mechanics, I recommend the Borgen Pro. Its wider compatibility and larger oil supply make it the more practical and future-proof choice, especially if you’re not sure what your next bike might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brake bleed kit has more oil, Borgen Pro or BleedZone?
The Borgen Pro kit includes more oil. It comes with 200ml total (2x100ml bottles) of its own mineral oil, while the BleedZone kit includes 120ml of genuine Shimano mineral oil. If you plan to do multiple bleeds or have several bikes, the Borgen Pro’s larger supply is a clear advantage.
Is the BleedZone kit worth it if I only have Shimano brakes?
Yes, if you are a stickler for using official Shimano fluid. The BleedZone kit includes 120ml of genuine Shimano mineral oil, plus gloves and a bleed block. For a dedicated Shimano mountain bike owner who wants that brand assurance, it’s a great, focused kit. Just know it won’t work on Shimano road or gravel brakes.
Can I use the Borgen Pro kit on Tektro brakes?
Absolutely. This is a major strength of the Borgen Pro kit. Its listed compatibility includes Shimano, Tektro, and TRP hydraulic disc brakes. If you or your friends have bikes with any of those three brands, this single kit can handle them all, which adds a lot of value.
Which kit is easier for a beginner to use?
Both are beginner-friendly, but I’d give a slight edge to the Borgen Pro for its video guide. The BleedZone uses a QR code for a tutorial, which is also helpful. However, the Borgen Pro’s step-by-step video felt a bit more Thorough when I was learning the process for the first time.
Does the BleedZone kit come with a bleed block?
Yes, it does. The BleedZone kit includes a universal bleed block, which is a nice perk for setting the correct piston gap during the bleed. The Borgen Pro kit does not include a bleed block, so you’d need to source one separately or use an old brake pad.
Which kit has better customer reviews?
The BleedZone kit has a higher rating from more people. It holds a 4.6-star average from 1,242 reviews, while the Borgen Pro has a 4.4-star average from 366 reviews. This suggests a high level of user satisfaction with the BleedZone’s specific offering for Shimano MTB users.
My Final Verdict
My clear winner is the Borgen Brake Bleed Kit PRO. Its wider compatibility with Shimano, Tektro, and TRP brakes, combined with a generous 200ml oil supply, makes it the most versatile and practical kit for the average home mechanic. The BleedZone Premium is an excellent runner-up, but it’s best reserved for riders who exclusively use Shimano mountain bike brakes and demand genuine Shimano fluid.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself one question: do you only work on Shimano MTB brakes? If yes, get the BleedZone. If you have any other brand or want a more future-proof tool, the Borgen Pro is the smarter buy.
Best Overall: Borgen Brake Bleed Kit PRO
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY – Brake Bleeder Kit works with Shimano, Tektro & TRP...
- VIDEO TUTORIAL INCLUDED – Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions...
- REUSABLE – Brake Bleeding Kit includes 2x 100ml high-quality mineral oil...
This is the kit for most riders. It works on three major brake brands and its 200ml of oil will last for many servicing sessions, making it a great value.
Runner-Up: BleedZone Premium Kit
- COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID BLEEDER KIT FOR SHIMANO BRAKES: This all-in-one...
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN WITH ESSENTIAL TOOLS: Featuring a Shimano bleed kit...
- PREMIUM QUALITY MINERAL OIL FOR BIKE BRAKES: With 120ml of Shimano mineral...
Choose this if you only service Shimano mountain bike brakes. The 120ml of genuine Shimano oil and included gloves/block make for a premium, focused experience.
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