SRAM Maven Brakes Explained + First Review

The all new SRAM Maven brakes are the most powerful stoppers ever made by SRAM. The SRAM Code brakes aren't going anywhere, but the Mavens are the newest model aimed at gravity-focused riding segments like enduro, DH and full size eMTB's where riders need all of the stopping power they can get. The Mavens are also the first high-performance brakes from SRAM that use mineral oil instead of DOT fluid, which is a big deal all in its own!
In this video, Mike and Tor present all of the new tech and features of SRAM’s massive stoppers and share an initial review of their experience on the trails. They also compare the differences between the different models of Maven brakes, which are the Maven Ultimate, Maven Silver and Maven Bronze. We even offer some quick comparisons to other popular brakes like the TRP DHR EVO, Hayes Dominion, Magura MT7 and Hope Tech 4 V4.
💥 SHOP - SRAM Maven Brakes - thelostco.com/collections/sra...
💥 SHOP - MTB Gear - thelostco.com
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The Lost Co - www.thelostco.com
Bellingham, WA - 360-306-8827
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0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Overview
1:38 - Tech & Performance
4:30 - Mineral Oil
7:32 - "Tunability"
12:43 - Models
17:04 - Mike's Initial Review
23:43 - Tor's Initial Review
#mountainbike #mtbbrakes #enduromtb

[@TheLostCo]

Drinking game idea: Take a shot every time we pull out the air quotes! And if you drink enough to want some new brakes, hit our website at thelostco.com to order yours 😀

[@federaldelii]

Are those carbon ceramic disk brakes?? 😮

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Already ordered, no shots needed, you should have played the “air” guitar lol

[@bylbanos]

Wow, I love how they made all of the related tools unusable and even made their "special" mineral oil. It's so amazing to have even more starndarts in cycling now!

[@mead813]

Yeah, this is always a pain in the bike shop.

[@simonr7097]

And they managed to do all that without making bleeding easier either! If only there was a practical system to do that, like Shimano's.

[@jeffgood1580]

Then there’s the boutique brands that aren’t carried in bike shops

[@beerenmusli8220]

I love that they finally make mineral oil brakes.

[@PetrPolach]

Yeah. It feels somehow pathetic, because they actually denied their previous marketing of DOT fluid brakes :D

[@Mtbtanner]

Such a great review video! Shoutout to the Team over at The Lost Co. for making very in depth highly informative video content. The mountain bike community appreciates you!

[@TheLostCo]

Thank you so much! I needed a comment like that this morning, haha. I've been editing this video for 3 full days straight to get it out in time for this morning's release and my brain is ZAPPED 🙂 -Mike

[@GokkunGuru]

Best put together video out there on these new brakes. Well done guys. Amazing as always!

[@TheLostCo]

Thank you! This one took a lot of work as there's a lot going on. I'm a bit deprived of sleep from editing the past 3 days but I'm working through it, haha. -Mike

[@jamlee344]

Probably the best vid on KZbin about the Mavin's. Well done lads👏 Good to see they're changing the hose angle out of the lever.

[@eBikerHowie]

This may be the most in depth and informative video I've ever seen. Thanks for the honest review and personal comments. 😊

[@TheLostCo]

Heck yea Howie glad you're stoked on the video! -Tor

[@danamesarchik3633]

Great video, I had to update my Levo to MT 7's as the Codes where scary at times. Glad that they have come up with a brake that will slow down an E Bike.

[@rickelliott7653]

Just ordered the Ultimate LTD Kit from you guys and can’t wait for a brake stronger than my Code RSC’s to stop my 290lb mass. Keep up the great content.

[@TheLostCo]

We think bigger dudes are going to be STOKED on the power of the Mavens! Thanks for the comment! -Tor

[@aknzortuk4027]

I have brand new db8's and they are insanely good but still I am watching this video because of incredible quality and delivery. Also for the whole vibe!

[@hrdeville7502]

Got the Expert Kit ordered, Super stoked!

[@jltrack]

SRAM finally admits mineral oil was the way to go. That’s a good thing because I may consider SRAM again for future build

[@MrSupermugen]

Brake fluid is still superior, most people however struggled to bleed them. They juat gave in to what the market thinks it wanted

[@theshonen8899]

​@@MrSupermugenSRAM themselves stated that mineral oil was superior for this brake.

[@i_eatstyrofoam]

@@theshonen8899 I'd wager 90% of the reason behind it was because everyone kept complaining about DOT. As for performance, I wouldn't be so sure. Cars use DOT fluid after all...

[@MrSupermugen]

​@@theshonen8899 they stated that to sell the brake.... All high performance brakes use DOT for a reason, I also dont change my open Dot brakes fluid every year in my car.... Its all about marketing to the Unable... hence ebike sales.

[@EMTBAFV]

Plus moisture from the line gets mixed in the dot system

[@Phonophobia]

I've been looking at these mineral oil levers with the RSC adjustment for a while on pro vlogs... FINALLY

[@NikolaiVozza]

I mean, you could get the Saints all this time, which is basically what these are.

[@Phonophobia]

@@NikolaiVozza If I wanted the same piston area as a XT break with a horrible adjustment option: yeh I could do that.

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thanks for the video Mike and Thor 👍

[@FreerideQuebec]

mind blowing review, you guys hold suc ha high standard of quality regarding every aspect of your analysis

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Awesome stuff guys!

[@cadman9615]

Agreed! My Stumpjumper EVO came with Code R’s…it now has XT’s. I prefer the feeling/modulation of the Shimano’s better. Good review. Nice to see SRAM improving their brakes

[@dadlife8289]

Just ordered a set from you guys! That kit has a crazy high value!

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

I know, it’s like getting the 2 sets of rotors pads and bleed kit for free..and best color calipers ever

[@dadlife8289]

@@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5 it's 5 rotors total!

[@adampatterson]

Loved this video! It's like the LTT of Bikes!

[@JasonBowenGuitarista]

damn you guys, made me buy a set since the color is sick, great job guys.

[@JuanWay2Rock]

Glad you mentioned the "Van Halen" reference. I'd buy the brakes just for the MAVEN/Van Halen color scheme cause it just looks cool...that and I want to put some high performance brakes on my mountain bike. That said, great review.

[@justsayin3600]

Awesome, and understandable review.

[@thim8009]

Love new products, makes the 2nd place products even cheaper. I really like my code r's . Will have to see what problems pop up over time, might try them when mine wear out.

[@matrixracing8268]

Good looking brakes! I had the DB8 on my hardtail paired with Shimano levers so I had fraken brakes but I didn't know I had to use the Maxima oil only so I did a full Shimano Mineral oil swap in mine and a few months later they were leaking so yea.

[@westoe]

I can’t wait to install them on my specialized hardrock

[@Thomas-je3wg]

Hope techs will always be best

[@blockhead3654]

I have had dirt bikes with both both worked fine with proper maintenance.

[@craigg7182]

Great video gents. Good explanation around disc size vs brake performance and heat. Just be careful in the commentary around bigger discs giving more braking power. Bigger discs are better at dissipating heat, not at increasing braking power. It's simple physics. Keep up the videos!

[@Finnspin_unicycles]

Ummm.. Bigger disk -> bigger lever from brakepad to axle -> stronger braking effect for the same force of pulling on the lever -> more braking power. Simple physics.

[@Alex_Abdullayev]

You guys rock!!

[@Titot182]

Maven was best when he knocked out The Undertaker during the Royal Rumble. His channel is lit. Are the brakes Tough Enough?

[@BasicBodThor]

Sounds like the Silver is the best option for me. Looking forward to trying these when I decide to replace my current RSC's

[@TheLostCo]

Those Maven Silvers are what we're going to recommend to most riders! All the features of the Ultimates and a more subdued color 👌 -Tor

[@dadlife8289]

Maven bronze still looks pretty cool

[@cwitt483]

Good video yall!

[@user-ke9yk5qp3u]

Nice! Thinking of running these on my Surron with Hope floating disc 220's and MTX red racing pads.

[@amir_mtb]

@TheLostCo I LOVE your sense of humor, and your honesty even though you're also selling this stuff. The air quotes around 10grams is probably how most of us Maven target customers riding 37+ lbs enduro bikes feel about that "upgrade" :)

[@patrikkovacs3216]

You excluded the Formula Cura 4, it has 4 18mm pistons! You should take a look a thise. They are using mineral oil with plenty of power (~Saint/MT7 level) with great modulation. Be sure to take a look at their 2PCS levers with tool free reach and contact point adjustments. I'm no ambassador just a guy who loves Formula's works of art. :)

[@CANNABISfreedomNOtaxes]

Formula has tried and failed miserably over the last 20 years in the US. I first rode their brakes on a Commencal DH bike back in 2008ish and absolutely loved them. Couldn't get my hands on them. And I worked at a shop at the time.

[@knott4me561]

Cuta 4 pistons seize up quicker than a Yorkshire man's wallet.

[@airmail333]

5:36 My 2006 Avid Juicy Fives still haven’t been bled at 18 years and run well. They do get a little bit of fade on the long and brake-heavy runs. Maybe I’ll consider these if I ever upgrade/modernize though.

[@Christophe_L]

Great review as always. I like that you create some separation between what you think and what Sram tells you to """think""". Also please stop with the coordinated hand gestures, that's just silly 😂 Love you guys.

[@BikeFixIT]

The db8 mineral oil brakes rock too

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Damn I love the 80's Van Halen look!, just look up Eddies guitar, rock on dudes! I'm buying a set just for that alone....slapping my credit card on the table now!!

[@TheLostCo]

Same, we love the color and were stoked that SRAM got us these limited Expert models! We were originally planning on including way too many Van Halen references in the script, but decided last minute to hold off, haha. -Mike

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

@@TheLostCo the price yeah 600 is a lot but add in 2 sets of rotor, pads and bleed kit..2-300$ alone.

[@R1eger25]

The idea of not needing to go 220 rotors for larger riders is super appealing. this will also prevent warping since the smaller rotor doesn't have that much leverage to bend. also you can try sue Ram Jam for their black betty song while you're at it.

[@jamesdomenico2953]

Curious as to the noise of the metal pads. Do they make the typical SRAM Noise, especially when wet?

[@MattWrightMTB]

Do the non-kit brakes include the new bleed block?

[@user-gm9hg7gb9s]

I personally fell like if I got the mavens I would be getting them more for the consistency rather than power, I have code rsc and I have no problem with the power or the consistency, but for people that need it these look sweet

[@rickb.1656]

Best review out there.

[@diveaddict6885]

My favorite brakes are Hope or Trickstuff

[@siddhantmishra3598]

how are they in comparision to hope tech 4 v4 ? that too with 3.3mm ventilated rotors

[@TheLostCo]

Head to Tor's review section @23:44 where he mentions this! Both are very, very similar in regards to power, performance and adjustment. -Mike

[@glen3509]

Shimano removed the bl🤔eding step from their XTR 9100 and XT 8100 disk brakes, right?

[@SimplePleasuresMTB]

Never even mentioned Shimano😉I love my Saints and SLX

[@TheLostCo]

We've got some Shimano content coming! It's been so long since any of us have ridden Shimano brakes that it's time to change that! -Tor

[@rawmancemtb]

First question that comes to mind is how does the modulation compare? The reason I like Code RSCs the best is the modulation. Can break into a rockgarden from the air with RSC's but can't do that with Maguras or Shimanos.

[@TheLostCo]

As Tor mentioned in his review section, the modulation is there and easily controllable. I wouldn't say the Maven is losing any modulation over the Code, but the sheer power of these things is the first apparent thing you'll notice when riding them. The lever does require a bit more force to pull than the Code, and I think that aids in making the Maven super controllable yet massively powerful. -Mike

[@rawmancemtb]

@@TheLostCo Yeah I just typed it before watching the video and I didn't know that it was the slinglock system that gives the modulation to it. I had been wondering why does it have more modulation. I can order Code RSCs for 270€ so I think I will get those. I ride a full ebike now so that stopping power would be nice but it's rare for it to matter that much as descents here are very short. Probably need the matchmaker as the next bike will probably come in Shimano spec.

[@mmenjic]

2:42 does that mean their models before this one had wrong lever to piston caliper ratio?

[@user-vb1vr2sy3n]

Just motorcycle brakes for MTBs! 20 years ago Magura had the Gustav M in it's program. The Maven could make troubles with spokes and forks if they're too weak for this power.

[@perspectivedetective2703]

Are the pistons in the levers plastic or metal?

[@FINNdeischgut]

How big are the master pistons in the lever? The Formula Cura 4 has 4x 18mm pistons, but very large 10.5mm master pistons, which is why the gear ratio is still not that great.

[@Vanadium]

I'm one of those people who has never had SRAM brakes on my MTB. For rentals yes and they sucked, but to be fair I'm picky and my brake is a Trickstuff so SRAM couldn't compete with it. I really don't think brakes should be too hot or too warm to work well. Like I said, I use the TS Direttissima and with the right compound this brake works like it's almost boiling even at -20°C. There are some pad manufacturers that even make pads that don't need a beed in phase. Those are my favorite option that I go with. Also rotor size, man I choose the largest just to minimize the possibility of arm pumping and I had never experienced it after doing that.

[@PetrPolach]

The brake away force of lever is actually deal breaker for HUGE number of bikers.

[@TheLostCo]

Definitely could be! That's why we both ended up favoring some other brakes in our review section. -Tor

[@TeamCykelhold]

Its good that SRAM finally found out that their seals really suck.

[@dxwarmachine2461]

I will try out this brake look strong and awesome design

[@jamesjenkins8373]

One of the guys I do my weekly Wednesday night emtb rides with, has been using the new maven for a few months, he has pieces of tape covering the logo, so he can’t see what they were for the longest time.

[@CordlezToaster]

I've switched all of my brakes to shimano just because of how much easier they were to bleed compared to sram. I might consider these on my next bike now that they are mineral oil.

[@dinesdahlinkroman8241]

about the mixing or using another brand of brake fluid, all brands say that their brakes are made for their own brake fluid. but you can use whatever fluid you have on hand, you dont need the specific brand of mineral oil for your brakes, they will work the same either way.

[@TheLostCo]

SRAM is telling us their seals are designed to specifically work with their fluid, and I don't know about you, but it seems like it would be worth buying some new brake fluid just for that peace of mind of knowing my brakes are dialed! -Tor

[@ersonvelasco2531]

SRAM Code and Guide brakes is what I’m using in trails, i like the modulation but you must bleed it frequently.

[@EMTBAFV]

Was just going to say about our race car our Green stuff pads and Red stuff pads have a composite on the pads that are made for each type or racing im looking into bikes breakpads just now im interested to see what composites they are using! Resin, organic and all wet is not a good enough explanation

[@alandidonato]

Do these replace the current Code Ult? Or do the Codes still in catalog?

[@TheLostCo]

Codes are still sticking around! The Mavens are just an addition to the lineup, and the most powerful option for the gnar gnar enduro/freeride/DH folks and those on full-power eMTB's who need the crazy stopping power. -Mike

[@otisjordan5613]

While the caliper design is pretty much the same on all of these, the Bronze caliper does not have the option to rotate to brake hose, and Sram suggests using the Centerline rotors with these, which is odd. Definitely keen to get a set of those, likely silver or bronze, in the future. I'm definitely going to try the organic pads, but I have always glazed them rather quickly, even with 220mm rotors. The improved heat management of the Mavens may help with that, but we'll see about that.

[@Chops00]

My DH bike came with Code R and they felt like trash until I swapped a thicker rotor on.

[@MarianWYK]

Let's not forget about Formula Cura 4 which have 4x 18mm pistons

[@LordFata]

Wondering if the next SRAM red will be mineral oil based too

[@TheLostCo]

@7:13

[@OdonTWRT]

I hate mineral oil brakes 😢 My code r brakes are from 2010 and still working perfectly 😅 Nice video

[@EnjoyTheRideMTB]

Have you ever tried them? I have owned several sets of shimano brakes, and I have run one of those sets for years without any maintenance before having to bleed them. That set was as good as new after the bleed. Mineral oil brakes are pretty reliable, and you can't deny the fact that mineral oil has some advantages, like being hydrophobic and not corrosive. Seth from Berm beak even bled a Shimano set with baby oil for fun and it worked the same. Now before this gets personal, I am not pro shimano in any way, I only ride their brakes for road now, where I don't need a lot of modulation, but I still have ridden them mountain biking and they were plenty powerful. I also have a friend who only rides Shigura (Shimano lever with Magura caliper, because Magura's levers are shit apparently), and mineral oil works great with him all the way! I genuinely think that Shimano is better than Sram in the lower end market, but I never tried Sram top of the shelf brakes so I can't compare the higher end ones. My personal favorite for mountain biking are Hope brakes: looks, power, modulation, you get it all! I wish Hope tried their way with mineral oil though...

[@henrylarson8271]

The serviceability of the Mavens is a step above trp, Hayes and especially Hope, I think the Hayes are the best mtb brakes on the market but the mavens are going to stay on my downhill bike. Different but good lever feel and insane power, it'll lock up both wheels easier than any other brake I've tried

[@48dj3ikd]

Best mtb channel period

[@sonickalbright]

I hope this means the new SRAM Red is going mineral oil too

[@thinkaboutit3011]

The ultimate kit sold out already?!?! Or is it not live on the site yet??

[@TheLostCo]

It's sold out!! But don't worry we've got more on the way, get on the list for email alerts and get ready for the drag race to the checkout 🏁🏎💨 -Tor

[@flexxx222]

Like the move to go with mineral oil. As an ex car mechanic I hate DOT fluid with a passion. Toxic and hard to dispose of, too.

[@mlee6050]

Glad you are here, curious would there be car brakes designed for mineral oil in future or not worth doing? So far I mainly use dot for my bikes but never renew it for years

[@NilesProductions]

If you put these brakes on your bike it's going to make you want to "Jump! Go ahead and Jump! Might as well Jump! Go ahead and Jump!"

[@isaks3243]

both my previous full sus (specialized) and my current full sus bike (trek) came with sram brakes from the factory and I have personally really enjoyed the feel of those brakes. but as I started getting more into bike park riding didn't the two pot brakes that came on my Trek Remedy 7 cut it so I had a choice to make, do I go for 4 pot Sram, do I go for shimano? I really like the feel of the sram but I would like some extra bite to them but not shimano levels of bite. so I went for magura, but never really got them to feel good, so as a last resort did I go for the HC3 levers and bam, it transformed the brakes from alright but not really that good to holy fuck, best brakes ever. so the magura mt7 and HC3 levers made the perfect combo for what I like.

[@TheLostCo]

Awesome, glad you found a good combination! Since the power is so comparable between all of the big brakes out there, I truly believe most people would enjoy really any of them when upgrading from an underpowered brake. -Mike

[@pags1981]

Id go Hope over this as it uses a moto style resevoir which makes brake bleeding easy, rather than having to use a SRAM bleed kit for another $$

[@CalgaryDynastar]

Well sure glad I bought saints instead of rsc so I don’t feel like I’m missing out quite as much 😅

[@MTBfixHQ]

only took sram 10+ years to catch on to mineral oil

[@eyesman7782]

How do you get the break pads out without removing the whole caliper?

[@ouisi7]

Remove the wheel

[@JulianKent]

Same process with my MT200. Horrible design decision, if I need to put new pads out on the trail, I don't want to disassemble everything.

[@djambush360]

The most powerfull diskbrake ever made was the one piston Magura Louise. I drive this brake with a 203mm rotor and it still sets records in power and handling. There is no brake that is as strong as the Louise.

[@jacksondaniels8169]

I've run Shimano and Hayes since the industry transition to hydraulic disc. Never used Sram, maybe as a future update or on my next bike.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

SRAM EDDIE VAN MAVEN brakes.... Cool...

[@robertstrobel7338]

Now that they've switched to mineral oil, they probably dont need to be bled as often. I may consider SRAM brakes in the future.

[@zwingler]

700€ here in germany. Pfffff... Yeah... ill just wait a year and get em for like 350.

[@GhislainLeduc]

strange it's only available un USA and not in Canada.

[@randommtbing5631]

The surface are of the pistons has incresed 46% from Codes and I believe Sram marketing team got the +50% more power over Codes from that (master cylinder size hasn't changed). The "piston surface area - master cylinder ratio" is now similar with Trickstuff Direttissima and and are now over 20% more "powerfull" than TRP DH-R Evo and Hope Tech 4 v4. Lever linkages contribute greatly on actual braking power but clearly Sram is trying to achieve higher pad contact pressure.

[@TheLostCo]

We need to hire you as our engineering correspondent because that sounded way smarter than anything we said! Thanks for the info! -Tor

[@dfiler2]

I thought that the master cylinder was upsized as well, as mentioned in another video. Is that not the case?

[@kyle_rides69]

i wanna get the brakes but i hate the red. do you guys think there's a possibility i could get them professionally powder coated?

[@TheLostCo]

I would recommend simply purchase the brakes outside of the Expert Kit. The Ultimate, Silver and Bronze all come without red calipers. -Mike

[@ethanrevitch]

Will all SRAM brakes go to mineral oil? Just an idea...

[@themeatpopsicle]

The big test of these will be how the brakes function over time when using non-spec mineral oil. How many mechanics are going to fudge it?

[@TheLostCo]

That's a question only Father Time will be able to answer, haha. -Mike

[@DADDY-RHYS]

If we need that much power, why not swap to small moto breaks?

[@EMTBAFV]

Still am ugly looking lever though better than codes so improving in style as well as functionality but still going for the MT-7 magura in raceline green it whats on order for me! My hopes are to strong for me and im a heavier rider so will be interesting to see how these new Mavens perform in front lock ups I had to switch rhe discs round for the hope's 180 on front 200 on rear still some force i just love my XTs with XTR levers theu just work for me and a beautiful looking lever with that

[@porroco]

Are those brakes bigger than magura MT7?

[@TheLostCo]

Yep! These are the biggest brakes we've ever seen, with big pistons and a huge caliper! -Tor

[@duroxkilo]

had no idea ppl get agitated discussing f bicycle brakes :)

[@thim8009]

Will a code brake bleed kit work on Maven or do you need a whole new kit?

[@Justin-ny6un]

Bleeding edge fitting is a different size. Plus cross contamination of fluids. Probably not advisable

[@TheLostCo]

This is all fully explained in the video @6:24 🤘

[@Alex_Bike01]

Are they better than shigura?

[@Danielxperez14]

I just ordered a set of hope tech 4 v4s from your website, I like my rear brake on the left so I got the left side. Will I need a longer hose?

[@TheLostCo]

Thanks a ton for your order! The Left/Front brakes have a short hose, so yes you will need to purchase a new, full-length hose separately. Please email us to get things sorted out, and please _always_ email us with questions about orders. It was lucky I happened to see this! [e-mail] -Mike

[@AnotherMrLizard]

More often than not you can just detach the hose at the lever and swap over with no issue. New brakes come extra long so should be fine.

[@Danielxperez14]

@@TheLostCo okay thank you, do you know the exact length by any chance?

[@Danielxperez14]

@@AnotherMrLizard okay, and I only got the front/left not both hopefully it’s enough

[@AnotherMrLizard]

@@Danielxperez14 I read it as you had bought a right rear and wanted a left rear as a set. If you mean you bought a lh front lever then I am completely incorrect and as above you will need a hose. Apologies for confusing matters.

[@bikedude019]

They are trying to compete with Hayes Dominion. No ceramic pads available. Brakes are more expensive compared the ones I have on my truck. I never felt “under-brake” with the Code RSC. Perfect for worldwide level athletes.

[@TheLostCo]

After riding these brakes for a bit, I honestly don't think they're trying to compete with anyone. Judging by the way these feel and function, they feel completely different than everything else out there. The Code RSC's are still a powerful brake at the end of the day, so leave the Mavens in the rear view mirror if the Code's are working for you! -Mike

[@geemy9675]

I love my Status but the SRAM Code R brakes aren't nearly as powerful as my old deore XT M8000. they are a bit easir to prevent wheel lock though for that same reason. I just miss the adjustability

[@mittlerweile]

Leavers so stiff that u need more than 3x the power of other brakes to even pull the leaver, which leads the faster fatigue