"Maven is the absolute most powerful brake we've ever created“, this is the sensational proclamation from SRAM. Maven claims almost 50 percent more power than the SRAM Code: but power is nothing without control, as Pirelli would say, so let's take a look at all the features.

Again according to SRAM, with the Maven you need 32 percent less force on the lever to reach the same power value as the Code, with a decrease in fatigue and an increase in control on the steepest and most technical sections. It features a 19.5mm and 18mm four-piston caliper: the Maven's pistons are oversized and provide the pads with greater power for greater friction on the disc and less effort on the lever.

Optimized specifically for the Maven, the Swinglink system offers a leverage ratio that changes during action on the brake lever. The further you pull the lever towards the handlebars, the more power the Maven exerts on the pistons. This progressive variation of power allows for unparalleled control. Exactly the opposite of the characteristic “on/off” response.

Having huge pistons in the caliper is worthless if the relationship between the size of the piston and the lever is not designed to work together. Power is determined by the relationship between piston sizes, and Maven maximizes the optimization of this ratio.

ALL THE ANSWERS TO DOUBTS ABOUT SRAM MAVEN BRAKES

If you measure the brake caliper when it is under pressure, you can see that it flexes. The four screws of the Maven caliper reduce the dispersion of power on the caliper, transforming it into a concrete response to the lever, suited to its power.

The ergonomics of the lever is similar to the Code while the hydraulic ducts are developed following the new Stealth architecture optimized to have a clean handlebar, adapting perfectly with the openings and cable passages of current frames.

DISCS

One point SRAM lacks is certainly the discs, an aspect fully developed by the American brand. SRAM states that they have been reviewed and tries to provide information on the choice of disk size. Every 20mm change in rotor diameter leads to a mechanical advantage of 14 percent. It means that by switching from a 180mm rotor to a 220mm rotor the system increases its power by 28 percent.

However, a rotor that is too large could lead to an insufficient operating temperature, while a smaller rotor, when it reaches the right operating temperature, could be more efficient on the trail. By paying attention to the color of the spokes on the rotors you can understand how your rotors are working.

A dark or bronze color means that their diameter is optimal.

A purple or rainbow color means the rotors are getting too hot and it would be best to upgrade to a larger diameter.

If they are not colored it could mean that they are not reaching the correct temperature and it would be better to switch to a smaller diameter to achieve optimal performance.

For a brake to be powerful and constant in performance, the system must reach a certain temperature and avoid variations between hot and cold. It's an art. Choose HS2 rotors for a 7 percent power increase and better temperature management, or CenterLine rotors if lower horsepower and weight savings are your goal.

BRAKE PADS

The particular design of the Maven XL pads is available in two compounds, each with its specific characteristics. Organic compound pads are perfect if you prefer a strong initial grip and less noise overall. They offer the best performance in drier conditions.

Sintered compound pads are perfect if you are looking for the best resistance to prolonged heat. They also offer the best performance in wet or muddy conditions.

VERSIONS AND PRICES

STANDARD POST 20P SUPPORT

DB-SPP-A0 (€27)

It's a smart support. With a simplified hardware approach, only four 18mm screws are needed, and for the best possible alignment between rotor and caliper two specific supports can cover the four common rotor combinations.

SPECIFICATIONS

HOW MUCH DOES THE SRAM MAVEN COST?

ALL THE ANSWERS TO DOUBTS ABOUT SRAM MAVEN BRAKES