Sram Motive Ultimate review: Finally, some powerful cross-country brakes

One could say that the SRAM Motive Ultimate was long overdue: we in the BIKE test editorial team regularly complained about its predecessor, the SRAM Level. Time and again, whilst riding cross-country and marathon bikes, we found ourselves in situations where the old brakes simply lacked the power to cope. SRAM brakes haven’t always had a good reputation, and with the Level, the components giant certainly hadn’t done its image any favours. With the new Motive range, SRAM has switched the brake fluid. The current generation no longer uses DOT fluid, but mineral oil instead. We put it to the test to see if this pays off in practice.

Conclusion

At last, the power of a lightweight SRAM brake does justice to modern cross-country and marathon bikes. The Motive Ultimate It eclipses its predecessor and really packs a punch – provided you pair it with thick brake discs. Racers will finally be happy with the Motive. Trail cyclists should treat themselves to a bit more bite. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Sram Motive Ultimate in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon / Down-country
• Brake fluid: mineral oil
• Brake weight: 287 g (per unit with uncut hose, BIKE measurement)
• Weight of HS2 brake disc: 217 g (each, 180 mm, CentreLock, BIKE measurement)
• Price: 300 euros per brake
• Special features: Stealth brake lever, titanium hardware, carbon lever

Power-to-weight ratio

In our experience, the braking system is actually the last place where mountain bikers should be cutting weight. Many manufacturers do it anyway. Okay, a SRAM Maven would probably be overkill on a cross-country bike simply because of the tyres’ low braking grip. However, in our view, even race bikes should have powerful brakes. The latest generation of 120-millimetre full-suspension bikes, in particular, are so capable on descents that weak brakes can dampen the fun more than they slow the bike down.

When it comes to braking performance, the SRAM Motive Ultimate unfortunately fails to establish itself as the best in its class, despite its premium price. For example, the cheaper but heavier TRP Evo X offers more power, as do the more expensive Shimano XTR Race and Trickstuff Piccola brakes. The good news is that the SRAM Motive’s performance should be sufficient for the vast majority of racers. Compared to its predecessor, the brake has gained a significant amount of power and is finally up to modern standards. The Motive skilfully takes the fear out of steep descents on cross-country courses, and the SRAM even masters long marathon descents with ease.

However, cyclists should take a look at the specified brake discs. With the thick SRAM HS2 discs, the Motive Ultimate delivers good braking performance on the trail. At the front, the disc diameter should definitely be 180 millimetres. We were also able to test the Motive with 200-millimetre discs – and lo and behold: the extra 20 millimetres deliver a substantial boost in stopping power. Anyone considering SRAM brakes for their trail bike should definitely opt for 200 millimetres at the front and at least 180 millimetres at the rear. Of course, the larger rotors do add a bit more weight, which is why some manufacturers omit them as standard.

Particularly on ultra-light cross-country bikes, the SRAM Motive Ultimate is often paired with the lightweight Centreline X discs featuring aluminium rotors. Whilst this helps to reduce weight, it represents a clear downgrade in terms of braking power. Our recommendation is the combination with the HS2. Despite having four pistons, the Motive Ultimate is already lightweight. Titanium hardware and carbon levers keep the weight down. The levers offer good ergonomics and, despite the emphasis on lightweight construction, can be adjusted tool-free to suit your grip width. The Sram Motive Ultimate also gets a thumbs-up for its controllability and our experience of its durability so far.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• lightweight and high-quality finish
• a more ergonomic, visually cleaner lever
• Good contact point, sufficient power for cross-country and marathon

Cons

• Braking power is heavily dependent on the disc used and is inferior to that of the competition
• Maximum power is insufficient for trail use

What do you think: will the designs of SRAM brakes finally win you over? Let us know in the comments!