SRAM’s new Maven brake claims 50% more power than the Code brake, as well as 32% less power required at the lever plus some other key features.
Any eagle-eyed among you might well have spotted the prototype SRAM brakes aboard Loris Vergier’s Trek Session at the World Cups last year. Those brakes are now available as the SRAM Maven brake, and claims some serious improvements over the Code.
SRAM have added the Maven brake to their line up, with some impressive stats to boot, but the layout of the lever has been designed to mirror that of the Code, meaning swapping to the new system should feel familiar.
A 50% increase in available power compared to the Code is the main headline, but SRAM don’t want you to think of Jeremy Clarkson shouting ‘POWER’. A 32% lighter lever force to produce the same power as the Code means that your hands don’t have to do as much heavy lifting. 19.5 and 18mm pistons at the caliper provide the power at the rotor.
SwingLink offers a progressive lever rate that changes through the stroke. How much power you get depends on where the lever sits in its arc. A larger master cylinder piston in the lever has been designed to get the most out of the large caliper pistons. A four bolt caliper improves stiffness and reduces power loss.
Pivot point placement, blade length and shape, as well as reach and contact point adjustments carry over from Code. You get the same Stealth layout as the most recent run of Code brakes too. Rather than slap on 220mm rotors and get on with it, SRAM suggest that the smallest your bike can accept is the best starting point.
New pad shape comes in sintered or organic, and the whole system has been designed to run at an optimal temperature where the heat is managed rather than jettisoned as much as possible. This is aimed at managing heat so that the brakes provide ample power but don’t fade like other brakes. Mineral oil and proprietary sealing in the new Maven are also part of the heat management recipe.
Three brakes and a brake kit are available. The Maven coming in Ultimate, Silver and Bronze models, with the Ultimate Expert Kit being a full set of brakes and rotors, but in a custom caliper anodising finish. Maven Bronze brakes kick off at £200.00 RRP, rising to £320.00 for the Ultimates. Prices do not include rotors. The Ultimate Expert Kit is £599.00 RRP and includes Bleed Kit, Sintered Pads, Organic Pads, Left And Right MMX Clamps,4 rotors and 2 mount brackets.
SRAM Maven models
SRAM Maven Ultimate Expert Kit
Key features:
- 2x organic and 2x sintered XL brake pad sets
- 4x HS2 rotors (1x 220mm, 2x 200mm, 1x 180mm)
- 2x 20p brackets
- 2x MMX clamps
- Maven Ultimate brake set with limited edition Red Splash anodized calipers
- Pro mineral oil bleed kit
- Rotor travel bag
SRAM Maven Ultimate
Key features:
- 18 and 19.5-millimeter pistons for best-in-class power
- SwingLink for signature SRAM lever feel
- Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management and easier bolt access
- Organic pads come standard for the best modulation and the quietest ride
- Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
- Mineral oil for low maintenance and performance
- Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
- Ultimate worthy polished lever body and titanium hardware
- Contact Point Adjust and tool-free Reach Adjust
- £320.00 RRP
SRAM Maven Silver
Key features:
- 18 and 19.5-millimeter pistons for best-in-class power
- SwingLink for signature SRAM lever feel
- Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management and easier bolt access
- Organic pads come standard for the best modulation and the quietest ride
- Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
- Mineral oil for low maintenance and performance
- Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
- Bold black anodized finish
- Contact Point Adjust and tool-free Reach Adjust
- £285.00 RRP
SRAM Maven Bronze
Key features:
- 18 and 19.5-millimeter pistons for best-in-class power
- SwingLink for signature SRAM lever feel
- Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management and easier bolt access
- Organic pads come standard for the best modulation and the quietest ride
- Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
- Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
- Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
- Dark Polar anodized finish
- £200.00 RRP
