Will SRAM achieve a breakthrough?
New SRAM Maven brakes
SRAM is currently the undisputed leader in MTB drivetrains technology. They have recently made a big splash with their E-bike motors. However, when it comes to brakes, the Americans have been less convincing so far. Can SRAM finally win over the scene with their new Maven stoppers?
SRAM, alongside Shimano, is one of the powerhouse suppliers in the mountain biking industry. Drivetrains, brakes, E-bike systems, and suspensions: no other company shapes the scene with their products as much as the Americans do. They’ve made the 1×12 drivetrain mainstream and recently proved with their Transmission groupsets that they are currently setting the trend in technical development ahead of all competitors. The addition of their Autoshift system for E-bikes further supports this claim.
With all these laurels that the Yanks have garnered in the drivetrain arena, the shortcomings in other areas of their business become all the more apparent. The topic of brakes is a highly emotional one within the bike scene, and so far, SRAM has not entirely convinced everyone with their offerings. While their drivetrains are praised across the board, and in our opinion rightly so, their reputation in the brakes department seems to lag.
Being too maintenance-heavy and lacking in stopping power are common complaints associated with SRAM brakes. However, this view is rather general and superficial. From our experience, systems like the SRAM Code and the Guide have ample power, even for the rigorous demands of E-MTB riding. SRAM is aware of their market position regarding brakes and is now attempting to capitalize on the momentum with an entirely new flagship brake system. Is the new DB8 brake set SRAM’s breakthrough in the stopping department?
The New SRAM Maven Brake Stands Out
- Brake Fluid: The new Maven now operates with mineral oil instead of the DOT brake fluid we've come to expect from SRAM.
- Pistons: The Maven always comes equipped with four pistons per caliper. Two of them feature an 18-mm diameter, and two boast a 19.5-mm diameter.
- Lever: The brake lever, according to SRAM, offers a similar feel to that of all SRAM brakes and is available as a Stealth edition.
- Saddle: Robust construction and four, rather than two, connection bolts for the saddle halves result in a high thermal mass and, according to SRAM, make for an extremely steadfast brake.
- Weight: SRAM lists the rear brake with a 180mm rotor at 362 grams for the top model.
- Price: The top model is available for €360 (per piece without rotors). The Maven Bronze brakes (rear + front) have an MSRP of €440 without discs.
SRAM claims: Maven has 50% more stopping power than the Code.
The claim that the new Maven brakes grip 50% harder than SRAM’s Code is bold. The intent is to dethrone the likes of Magura MT5 and MT7 from their unofficial pinnacle of braking force. Allegedly, one can save 32% of the effort at the lever compared to the Code to achieve the same braking effect. That would be the power everyone’s been waiting for, and would also offer the option to ride smaller rotors for improved modulation. We’re eager for a first ride test.
No DOT, no Hustle
While Magura, Shimano, Formula, and Trickstuff have long since adopted mineral oil, SRAM held onto DOT brake fluid until recently. However, the nature of DOT fluid to absorb water/moisture from the air into the brake fluid resulted in short maintenance intervals for the brakes. With the switch to mineral oil, SRAM meets the desires of many mechanics. The Americans themselves commented on this advance in their press release as follows:
Our testing has revealed that mineral oil delivers the best performance (surpassing DOT variants) while also requiring less maintenance. Each brake option we provide has been engineered to utilize the brake fluid and seals that deliver max stopping power. At Maven, this means going with mineral oil.
SRAM
Our Take on the New SRAM Maven Brake
The SRAM Maven, as a fundamental innovation, has the chance to captivate the MTB community. SRAM engineers have delivered on what many riders have been clamoring for. With its targeted application in mind, it’s likely to be a common sight on many E-MTBs before long. The anticipation doesn’t just hinge on whether the new Maven will fulfill its promised performance specs and truly be as low-maintenance as advertised. We’re also eager to see how SRAM will extend the new technologies to other brake platforms, like the Level or Guide series.
