New from Sram: Code & Level becomes Motive + affordable brakes from 80 euros
Peter Nilges
· 27.03.2025
In terms of brakes, Sram is also stepping up its game following the introduction of the gravity anchor Maven and is switching all future brakes to mineral oil. However, instead of giving free rein to the variety of models, the model range is being streamlined from 27 to ten brake models.
New: Sram Motive - Maven Base & affordable DB brakes expand entry-level segment
The biggest and most exciting innovation is the Motive, which will replace all Level and Code brakes. With the Maven Base (200 euros per brake), Sram is also offering a more affordable alternative to the Maven. The Maven Base uses a brake caliper with four 18-millimetre pistons instead of 18 and 19.5 millimetres as with the previous Maven. There is also a simpler brake lever with DirectLink instead of SwingLink technology. This saves production costs and ultimately results in a lower price tag.
Compared to the other Maven brakes, this should result in an overall less progressive braking force, but a very similar braking feel and a similar braking force development. We are curious to see whether the new Sram Maven Base is easier to modulate on first contact with the disc than the previous Maven with Swinglink lever.
In order to have more affordable alternatives in the entry-level segment, the DB8 series is also being extended downwards to include a DB6 and DB4 (80 euros per brake). The DB shares the same brake caliper as the Motive. The DB8 brake was Sram's first mineral oil brake and, as a reliable stopper, paved the way for the switch from DOT to mineral oil, so to speak.
But back to the new Motive performance brake. Sram promises to deliver the braking power of the former GravityBrake Code with the weight of the Level cross-country brake. In principle, the new mineral oil brake is a symbiosis of the Level lever and Code calliper. However, it is not possible to simply "build" a Motive from a previous Level and Code brake. Even if the lever housing looks the same from the outside, the volume inside has been increased to ensure that there is always enough mineral oil available for readjustment even if the pads are worn.
The new Motiv will cover everything from cross-country racing to trail use. Like the Maven, the Motive will be available in Ultimate, Silver and Bronze gradations. Due to different bolts (titanium or steel) and lever bearings, the models differ by up to 15 grams. For the market launch, the limited green/black special model is available in a set with a bleed kit, replacement discs and pads as well as a mini tool for 655 euros. The Motive Ultimate weighs 264 grams per brake. The cheapest Motive Bronze costs 190 euros per brake.
The Sram motifs at a glance
First ride impression of the Sram Motive Ultimate
Our initial riding impressions confirm that the new Sram Motive brakes are on a par with the Code. The brake can be controlled very sensitively with the usual impeccable lever ergonomics and has a crisp pressure point. Due to the reduction in the variety of models, there will only be two sizes of brake pads in future, one made of sintered metal and one organic. The organic pads are fitted as standard, with which the Motive brakes pleasantly quietly. So far, we have not noticed any shifting of the pressure point on the Motive when the lever is operated quickly and repeatedly (as is sometimes the case with the Maven).
