While SRAM’s mountain bike brake lineup seemed to cover the gamut of riding with 2- and 4-piston Level, Code, and the more budget friendly DB8 brake sets, the brand hasn’t matched Shimano’s offerings in some time. The Maven, a new 4-piston brake from SRAM looks like it will fill that lapse in coverage toward the gravity end of the spectrum.
About the SRAM Maven
Even with the Code on many gravity bikes’ handlebars, it seems SRAM still saw room for a stronger brake on their shelves, and by quite a lot. SRAM says the “Maven produces nearly 50% more power than one of the most capable brakes ever, SRAM Code.”
Not only does it get a heaping helping of power, but the brand says it needs 32% less force at the lever to generate comparable power as the Code, reducing fatigue. Here’s how SRAM makes that happen.
SRAM Maven caliper
Just looking at the Maven caliper, you can tell it’s much different than SRAM’s other brakes. With the four exposed Torx bolts on the outside, it looks more rugged and industrial than the spacey, polished silver or black of a Code caliper.
The caliper pistons measure 19.5mm and 18mm in diameter compared to the Code which uses 15mm and 16mm piston diameters. SRAM says the big bolts keep the caliper body stiffer and reduce flex in the system.
The piston seals use a proprietary material and maintain an air-tight, heat tolerant seal “to overcome the past weakness associated with mineral oil and use mineral oil for its advantage.”
This isn’t the first SRAM brake to use mineral oil. The DB8s use the fluid, but SRAM has traditionally used DOT 5.1.
The Maven calipers are intended to maintain optimal operating temperatures. They claim the Mavens take longer to heat up and keep excess heat at bay, but retain optimal heat for braking power and won’t cool down too fast.
SRAM Maven master cylinder and lever
Though the Maven calipers look quite different from anything SRAM has made before, the master cylinders look pretty similar to the Code Stealths released about a year go. As mentioned, they move more lightly than the Codes and the pivot point placement, lever blade length and the shape are carried over from the Code brakes. The new lever still uses the SRAM SwingLink pivot design for a progressive braking feel that errs on the side of modulation.
Rotors, pads and the rest
SRAM’s latest HS2 rotors may have been a canary in the coal mine for what the brand intended to release. They say buyers should choose the 2.3mm thick rotors over the traditional 1.8mm versions for a 7% increase in power, or choose the latter for less power and more weight savings. Though most brakes designed for one rotor or the other shouldn’t suffer if you use a different suggested rotor thickness, it’s nice that SRAM plainly says you can use either one.
Their advice is to choose the smallest diameter you can and go up in 20mm as necessary. A 20mm increase should provide a 14% mechanical advantage but too big of a rotor and you won’t have enough heat to generate power. These traits will help riders determine the right size:
- Browned or bronze discoloring on the rotor means the size is optimal
- Purple or rainbow discoloring means the rotors are too hot and too small, and should be sized up
- No distinct discoloring, and they might not be getting hot enough and should be sized down
SRAM will offer both organic pads for strong initial bite and less noise or sintered for heat resistance and performance in wet weather.
SRAM Maven models
Maven Ultimate Expert
The Ultimate Expert grade comes with a SRAM Red anodized caliper, a set of both organic and sintered pads, (1) 220mm rotor, (2) 200mm rotors, (1) 180mm rotor, bar clamps and caliper brackets, a rotor travel bag, and a Pro mineral oil bleed kit. These brakes and all models are made for Maxima mineral brake oil only.
- Weight: 362g (rear)
- MSRP: $599 (package)
Maven Ultimate
The Maven Ultimate has a polished lever body and a caliper with machined edges and Ti hardware for Grade-A looks. It features a Contact Point Adjust and tool-free reach adjust. These come with organic pads for silence and modulation.
- Weight: 362g (rear)
- MSRP: $299 (each), rotor not included
Maven Silver
The Maven Silvers come with organic pads and feature a black anodized finish with stainless hardware. The Silvers–which confusingly come in black, also have a Contact Point Adjust and tool-free reach adjust.
- Weight: 371g (rear)
- MSRP: $265 (each), rotor not included
Maven Bronze
The Maven Bronzes have everything the Maven Silvers do, except for a Contact Point Adjust and a black finish, opting for more of a gun metal gray look.
- Weight: 369g (rear)
- MSRP: $185 (each)
