The massive look of the brake calliper, which is held together by four bolts, alone reveals Sram's new Maven disc brake to be a pure gravity product. Enduro, downhill and e-MTB are in the specification of this anchor. The housing of the brake lever is also more voluminous in order to hold more mineral oil (that's right, no DOT) and to supply pressure to the even larger slave pistons and brake pads compared to the Code. As with the entry-level DB8 brake, Sram is now also using mineral oil instead of DOT for the Maven. The main reason for this is probably the longer maintenance intervals of 24 months.
Sram Maven: 53 grams more than code disc brakes
In comparison to the code disc brake, everything seems even larger. Of course, so much material is also noticeable on the scales. Without mounting bolts, handlebar clamps and discs, a Maven brake weighs 349 grams. That's 53 grams more than a Code. If you are looking for maximum braking power and stability, you will easily be able to get over the low additional weight. In terms of pure braking power in relation to weight, the Maven should even outshine the Code. Even with a smaller brake disc, the new Maven should have more power than the Code with a large disc. The bottom line is that the Maven with a smaller disc saves 65 grams per brake set.
50 per cent more braking force
Sram has focused exclusively on maximising braking power and stability. At high manual force, the Maven, which is equipped with organic pads as standard, is said to deliver 50 (!) per cent more power than a code (see diagram). Alternatively, sintered pads are also available for the Maven. These are even included in the Ultimate Expert version (anodised red), which is limited to 2500 units and costs €699. In order to realise the greater power, Sram uses larger pistons with a diameter of 19.5 and 18 millimetres in the stiff brake caliper of the new Maven. The master piston should not have changed compared to the Code, resulting in a higher hydraulic ratio. In order to be able to modulate the increased braking force, Sram uses the proven Swinglink technology in the lever. The reach adjustment and free travel setting have also remained the same.
The first driving impression
And in fact, the Maven already grips firmly when braking. At the end of the procedure, minimal manual force is enough to decelerate properly. We can definitely confirm that the braking power is well above all other Sram products. You have to get used to that much power. Simply pulling the lever as carefree as with a Code is no longer possible with the Maven. In direct comparison, the Maven decelerates much more powerfully. You get much more immediate feedback that something is happening when the pads touch the disc. Somewhat annoying: Due to the larger pads, it took longer for the disc to run without dragging.
The Sram Maven brakes at a glance
The red anodised Maven Ultimate Expert that we tested is limited to 2500 units and comes with four brake discs, additional sintered pads and a bleed kit for €699 per set. It starts with the Maven Bronze for 220 euros per brake, which does not have a free travel adjustment and ball bearings on the brake lever.
Price list
