Purple ano is one thing, but until Fox starts coating their stanchions in a Barney-inspired hue, you’ll have to go for gold if you want more stuff matched across your bike. Now, Formula is making that a bit easier with the new Kashima-coated Cura brake sets.

Available on the Cura 4-piston brakes, both the caliper and master cylinder get the Kashima treatment, applied exclusively by the Miyaki Company in Japan. It’s not just a cosmetic option, though, they say the coating on the master cylinder’s piston gives the brakes a smoother feel.

The technical and performance features carry over unchanged from the standard finishes:

• Four 18mm thermoplastic pistons
• Low roll-back seals
• Two-piece lever with feeling control system
• Tool-free reach adjustment
• Sintered pads fitted; organic pads included in the box
• Weight: 400 gr (85 cm hose, 160 mm 1-piece rotor and mounting hardware)
• RRP: €310 per brake (adapters and rotors sold separately)

They pair nicely with Formula’s new Japanese Gold anodized two-piece rotors (160/180/203mm options, €70/76/86 respectively), and are compatible with all of their monolithic rotors and two-piece rotors.

New Avinox Compatible Brake Rotors, Too

Got one of the new Avinox equipped eMTBs? Formula has a compatible brake rotor for them, with the speed sensor ring integrated into the rotor for a cleaner, lighter setup. It’s available in a 200mm diameter with 2.3mm thickness, 6-bolt only. MSRP €80, available in September.

RideFormula.com

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Quietly rolled out to dealers earlier this month, brake maker Trickstuff just debuted a limited edition ‘Special Series’ of their popular & powerful Direttissima mountain bike brakes in a vibrant new forest green. Plus, the brakes get a sweet howling wolf and forest scene laser-etched onto the caliper bodies, likely in a nod to their Black Forest origins.

Trickstuff Direttissima brakes Forest Green Wolf Special Series

The whispering of the wind between the trees, a distant howl, and a rush of adrenaline. Through the woods and mossy paths our Direttissima will now accompany you with a limited Special Series – Direttissima Forest Green – featuring a dark green caliper and reservoir cap. The forest is calling, can you hear it?

Trickstuff’s tagline for their most powerful Maxima gravity brakes is “Poke the bear”, which never seems like a good plan. So maybe these slightly lighter, more versatile all-mountain to enduro brakes are thinking you should “Poke the wolf”?

In any case, this is the first vibrant new anodized color we’ve seen from Trickstuff in over a decade. And the addition of some decoration is an interesting design choice. Any way you look at it, though, it hints that maybe more color and more Special Series limited-edition models could be in the brand’s future.

Fingers crossed.

Review: Tons of manageable bring power!

Trickstuff’s Direttissima is one of the most unique and powerful mountain bike brakes you can get. They feature and incredibly light touch and excellent modulation. Their precision construction and progressive leverage ratio at the lever means that the brakes move very quickly to the bite point. But then the further you pull the lever, the less distance the pads travel, creating dramatically increasing brake force at the rotor. The end result is that these are brakes that feel almost too soft in the parking lot, but offer some of the easiest high-powered braking you will ever experience on the trail.

Having ridden more with the Maximas in all-black (which are the same design, just slightly longer lever and bigger 16/17mm caliper pistons), after a year and a half, I’m still amazed at how easy it is to control the immense power of the Trickstuff brakes. And how even on extremely rough and super long descents, I never experience arm pump, meaning I can ride bike park laps all day without my arms or hands getting tired. Definitely not something I can say about most other high-power brakes.

Direttissima Tech Details

• CNC-machined 7075 aluminum construction
• 9mm polymer pump piston and “progressive toggle joint linkage” ball-bearing brake lever
• C42 4-piston calipers with balanced 14mm & 17mm stainless steel pistons
• high-pressure Kevlar brake hose
• tool-free reach adjust
• nickel-based organic Power+ brake pads
• proprietary low viscosity Bionol vegetable oil brake fluid
• fully user-serviceable
• 520g total brakeset weight – 252g front & 268g rear (claimed)

Trickstuff Direttissima Forest Green – Pricing, options & availability

Only 250 sets of these shiny Direttissima Forest Green special edition brakes are on offer. In a pleasant surprise, they don’t cost any more than a standard set of Direttissimas. And that’s good, because at 1100€ for the pair (without rotors) these are already some of the most expensive mountain bike brakes in the world. But my own personal experience with the Maximas (which share the same architecture as these Direttissimas) does confirm that these are also some of the most powerful brakes you can buy. Their unique feel all but eliminates arm pump, under even the most relentless braking.

The special series Forest Green brakes only are offered in one configuration – with silver levers & pump body, Kevlar brake hoses, and traditional left/front brake configuration. Brake rotors will cost you about 40-60€ a piece extra, as will brake mount adapters if you need them for your bike’s setup.

You can pick up a set while they last directly from Trickstuff’s website. Or order a pair through any of their regular dealer bike shops.

Trickstuff.com

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Known for offering sintered metal brake pads for high performance riders, Brake Authority did a little market research and found that some folks are better served by organic resin brake pads.

The difference? Sintered pads work best with a little heat, and don’t fade under extended hard use. They also do well in wet, muddy conditions. So, perfect for downhill and enduro, or general mountain bike use when conditions are less than perfect.

Organic resin pads work better when “cold”, and in dry conditions, making them ideal for casual riders who aren’t dragging their brakes or needing maximum bite as soon as the pads hit the rotors. And they’re usually quieter.

This means they also work great for roadies, where generally higher air flow means brakes run cooler. But they’re also aimed at XC and gravel riders, who are a bit lighter on the brakes.

So, Brake Authority has added two new options: Slow, and Road, both with organic resin compounds. They’re offered in a variety of sizes for a variety of brake models & brands, are made in Europe, and come in new plastic-free, recyclable cardboard packaging. Their website also has a new “pad finder” feature to help you select the right compound and size.

Brake-Authority.com

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US-made machinists Freedom Coast said your SRAM brakes called, and those “stock levers just aren’t cutting it“. Their solution is to bolt on a stiffer set of DH World Cup-winning CNC-machined levers with better ergonomics that they claim will improve your lever feel and braking performance.

For $120 you can upgrade all the latest SRAM brakes (and a lot of older models, too) with the same shiny colorful levers trusted by World Cup winner Troy Brosnan!

Freedom Coast CNC-machined alloy brake lever upgrade

Let’s focus on Freedom Coast’s aluminum brake lever upgrade for SRAM Maven and Motive brakes, because SRAM brakes are seeing their day in the spotlight these days. But Freedom Coast actually make lever upgrades for a whole host of Magura and TRP brakes, too. It’s just that so many riders are out there on these new SRAM brakes. So there’s simply a lot people who might gain from a SRAM brake lever upgrade!

Now, let’s be honest, SRAM’s latest Maven and Motive brakes are pretty great. After years where riders (and bike company product managers) shied away from SRAM MTB brakes, these latest mineral oil mountain bike brakes are a huge improvement. But while the hydraulics have evolved, Freedom Coast still thought that there was much to be desired in their aluminum lever designs.

Lucky for you, that’s a pretty simple one to fix, since the levers are quite easy to swap out.

Why upgrade your levers?

“Ergonomics isn’t just a buzzword. Poorly shaped levers can decrease rider confidence and increase rider fatigue. That’s why World Cup winner Troy Brosnan relies on our levers for control deep into a run.”

In the lab and on the trail, the Freedom Coast engineers determined that the stock forged/stamped (Silver & Bronze) or cast (Base) alloy levers that came on the SRAM brakes simply weren’t as stiff as they wanted. (Interestingly, SRAM probably thought the same things, as they also have several Maven Lever Tuning Kits, one that gets a forged & machined lever for added stiffness.)

Yet, Freedom Coast simply wanted more control over the shape and ergonomics. Plus, they could deal with slightly higher costs that gave them the freedom to focus on more precise manufacturing tolerances. Since Freedom didn’t have to create a lever that worked for everybody, from beginner to pro racers, they focused on exactly what they thought they could improve:

“With the needs of the serious rider in mind, our goals of increased stiffness, decreased slop, and better ergonomics for single finger braking drove the need for a custom lever.”

Tech details

• stiffer upgrade brake levers CNC machined from a single block of aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum bar stock
• more aggressive lever curve for secure single-finger relaxed grip on the brake

• machined-in texture to improve lever grip & positive feel in your hand
• higher tolerance than stock levers for reduced lever play
• hand-polished and anodized in 9+ bright colors
• SRAM levers compatible with most: Maven, Motive, Stealth Code, Code, Guide, G2 & Level brakes
• Magura levers fit all MT models: MT Thirty, 4, 5, 7, 7 Pro, 8, Trail Sport, Trail SL & Sport
• separate TRP levers for TRP EVO Pro or DH-R/Trail/Slate EVO brakes
• 100% USA-made in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Freedom Coast Brake Lever Upgrades – Pricing, options & availability

Freedom Coast’s CNC-machined aluminum brake lever kits sell for $119 regardless of what level of brake you want to upgrade, or how flashy you want to get with colors. You get a pair of levers, designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for your stock ones – whether as an upgrade or to replace a broken lever. Freedom includes a set of specially-made tool to swap the hardware from your stock levers to the new upgrade levers, and an easy-to-follow How-To install video.

With much of the cost of the higher-level SRAM brakes being in more premium levers, you could get a sick setup by buying a pair of Maven Base brakes, and upgrading to Freedom Coast levers, still cheaper than Maven Silvers. The SRAM brake levers come in anodized red, orange, olive green, light blue, purple, Champagne gold, Stealth grey, shiny silver, or classic black. All of which would look cool with the black bodies of the new B1 brakes.

Freedom Coast also offers a lot of other ways to trick out your mountain bike at the same time as your brakes, like tons of shiny ti bolt options from their sister brand BetterBolts.com. We particularly love their 90 Degree Pod Clamp that fixes what kind of annoys us with SRAM’s latest AXS shifter. But they also make one of the most refined & secure fork mount systems for the back of your pick-up or van!

FreedomCoast.net

The post Freedom Coast Will Upgrade Your SRAM Maven & Motive Brakes with Better Levers! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Galfer’s new Disc Shark EVO MTB brake rotor are the latest update to their finned designs, offering improved thermal management and better performance throughout extended descents.

The new rotors feature “topologically optimized” CNC-machined 7075-T6 aluminum carriers combined with increased mass (they’re 2.0mm thick), surface fins and perforations.

These design changes do two things – spread heat more evenly, and help dissipate it more quickly. Galfer says this dramatically reduces fade and maintains consistent performance across temperature ranges.

The rotors use 8mm hollow aluminum rivets with a semi-rigid (aka semi-floating) connection to balance force transfer with vibration damping. They’re compatible with existing MTB brake calipers and pad types, plus integrated E-bike sensor magnet, eliminating the need for modifications during installation.

Lastly, they’re also available with a new Kashima coating on the alloy carrier, so you can match your Fox bits. Alco available in black ano and raw. The rotors come in 180mm, 203mm, and 223mm diameters for 6-bolt mounting, with Center-lock versions coming this summer. Pricing ranges from €85-125. Weights from 169g to 225g.

Galfer.com

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It has been just over a year since TRP introduced the EVO Pro. The new offering from Tektro Racing Products (in case you didn’t know the acronym) provided what some thought were some long-awaited improvements to TRP’s DH-R EVO brakes.

Now, two more brakes find their way to the EVO Family: the EVO Expert and EVO Comp. TRP simplifies the EVO offerings and claims to provide race-level stopping performance at all levels.

TRP EVO Brake Family

Okay, to be clear, the TRP EVO Family actually consists of four brakes. Also on the docket is the EVO X, a 2-piston brake for light trail and cross-country. The EVO X brakes feature titanium hardware to save weight and were developed in collaboration with XC World Cup race teams.

Now let’s jump to the 4-piston options. We already know quite a bit about the TRP EVO Pro brakes since their release a year ago. The introduction of these brakes established them as the brand’s new flagship brake, providing the most prolonged power and adjustments.

The EVO Pro brakes feature hybrid pistons (alloy/ceramic), which dissipate heat more effectively. The levers are forged alloy and feature both pad contact and reach adjustment without the use of tools. And, the EVO Pros come in gold, silver, and black color options.

Moving to the new TRP EVO Expert, we see a very similar offering to the Pro, with some slight differences. Aside from the lack of color choices (black is the only option), the EVO Expert brakes lack pad contact adjustment. They maintain the hybrid pistons, though.

Reach adjustment is still there, however, and still without tools. And the Expert levers are a bit different as well. While the EVO Pro levers are 6061-T6 forged alloy, the Expert levers are die-cast alloy.

Stepping down to the EVO Comp, TRP still claims quality power but without the “bells and whistles.” Inside the calipers, the hybrid pistons have been swapped for alloy. While there is still no pad contact adjust, there is lever reach adjustment, but it isn’t toolless. The Comps also share the same die-cast levers as the Experts.

• EVO Pro: 632g / $307.99 (black), $318.99 (silver), $329.99 (gold)
• EVO Expert: $224.99
• EVO Comp: $169.99

What About Previous EVO Offerings?

Will the DH-R EVO brakes still be around? What about the Trail EVOs?

While TRP didn’t say it directly, this announcement seemed to imply that former brakes would be put out to pasture. So, I reached out to TRP to ask whether any current offerings would be phased out or discontinued.

According to TRP, the “Trail EVO and Slate EVO are being phased out.” That said, they also told us the Trail EVO will remain an OE option on select bikes for another year.

As far as the DH-R EVO, it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. Again, according to TRP, it “will continue to be part of the lineup for the foreseeable future.”

Hopefully, we can get a set of the new EVO Comp or EVO Expert brakes in for some long-term testing.

trpcycling.com

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We first spotted the iconic red brakes on Specialized Gravity team race bikes last summer, but now Brembo is poised to offer their Gr-Pro mountain bike brake sets to the general public. Promising maximal power, easy-to-access modulation, and unparalleled control… could these highly adjustable Brembo brakes set a new mountain bike performance benchmark?

We had the chance to get some back-to-back test rides on the new brakes earlier this year, and can safely say that they offer some of the most accessible brake tuning we’ve ever used. With 3 distinct adjustments at the lever, you can truly change how the brakes perform & feel with ease. Does that mean you will dial in your braking for varying conditions, or just that you can independently adjust power & modulation to what feels best for you?

Brembo GR-PRO gravity mountain bike disc brakes

Brembo calls their race-proven GR-PRO disc brakes, a “complete high-performance braking ecosystem engineered for modern mountain bikes”. With that said, so far they’ve spent almost all of their development and fine-tuning on two types of riding – elite-level DH racing and enduro-style eMTB riding. Both are heavy bikes and high speeds, where you need maximum power to bring the bike to a stop. But just as important is adjustable modulation to control all that power.

And this is where the new Brembo MTB brakes look to stand out. With more power, modulation, fit & feel adjustability than pretty much all mainstream mountain bike brakes, Brembo hopes to bring more manageable braking power to the masses.

“Directly derived from Brembo’s racing applications, GR-PRO leverages the company’s experience in the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, where Brembo products are already in use at the highest competitive level. This heritage ensures that the same principles of reliability, control, stability and consistency developed for elite competition are transferred into a system designed for aggressive mountain riding. These characteristics also make GR-PRO particularly suitable for today’s eMTBs and gravity bikes, which demand higher braking power and greater thermal robustness due to increased mass and higher average speeds.”

First Riding Impressions

The best way to test new brakes is repeatable laps on a known track, so I hit some of our favorite home-away-from-home trails outside Massa Marittima back in February with Bike Connection Agency. My time was limited to a single afternoon, but I really wanted to get a sense for the adjustability of the new Brembo brakes. So, I stuck to one variable – the 3-position lever ratio. And thankfully, I had an Amflow eMTB on hand with the powerful Avinox motor and a killer Öhlins suspension setup that let me quickly fly down a rough techy trail, then zip back up the hill for repeats.

Back-to-back leverage ratio tweaks

I started with the same medium setting front & rear to get a baseline, then tried soft/soft, medium/medium, then hard/hard to get a sense of the changes. Immediately, switching to soft I realized how big a shift it was and how I didn’t like the sensation at all, feeling like the braking power I wanted simply wasn’t there. Back in medium felt better. Then, in hard, it was again too stiff, feeling like I was going to tire my hands out in just over 1km of quick descending. So, next I figured I needed to mix-and-match a bit.

I tried hard front & medium rear, realizing that maybe hard would really be good when there was a lot of grip. Next, I swapped to medium front & soft rear, and got the same sense that maybe the soft setting could be nice in wet, loamy, or simply loose conditions. I still felt like medium/medium was my ideal feel. But when I looked back at my lap times, I’d actually set a personal best, shaving almost 5 seconds off a 3.5-minute descent in the medium/soft setting.

Without even getting into the dead-stroke adjustment (which is where I would really want to spend more time fine-tuning), my clear takeaway is that the Brembo Gr-Pro brakes will be perfect for mountain bikes who love to tinker with their perfect setup. These brakes harness tons of potential for anyone looking to fine-tune their setup, or adjust it as conditions change, to get more speed out of your bike.

I look forward to getting my hands on a set for long-term testing to see how far down the rabbit hole I can go!

Tech details

• big red brakes… honestly, the first thing you notice is their color
• 2-piece forged alloy 4-piston calipers with 18mm insulated pistons
• 1-piece forged alloy master cylinder body with high lever force into a small diameter piston

• 3 independent adjustments at the lever:
  ‣ 3 levels of lever ratio/modulation adjustment: soft, medium & hard
  ‣ 7 clicks of dead stroke adjustment to fine-tune ideal braking point setting
  ‣ 40 clicks of tool-free reach adjustment positions to fit any hand size or preferred lever position
• very long 65mm aluminum brake levers
• braided stainless steel brake lines with PTFE core
• 2.3mm thick stainless rotors, inspired by motorcycle rotors with trailing-spoke legs (the opposite orientation of most MTB brakes)
• rotors available in 200 & 220mm diameters, separately
• one specially-formulated semi-metallic brake pad compound, which already won 3 DH World Cups
• direct MatchMaker shifter/remote mounts, available separately

Brembo Gr-Pro MTB brakes – Pricing, options & availability

For now, the new Brembo Gr-Pro mountain bike brakes will be available just as a complete brake kit without rotors, retailing for approximately 900€, with VAT. But that does interestingly include a second set of brake pads, in addition to 2 levers, 2 calipers, your brake hoses, proprietary mineral oil, and the bleed kit. Adding a pair of rotors will add ~144€. By the time you add a caliper mounting bracket for your frame and/or fork, or an adapter to hang your shifter and/or dropper to the brake clamp, it will likely cost between 1100-1200€ to fit a complete new Brembo brakeset to your bike.

Of note, even though European consumer pricing includes tax, Brembo officially lists Gr-Pro prices exclusive of VAT since the tax rate varies slightly from country to country in the EU. Without VAT, a brake kit is 750€, rotors are 60€, caliper mounts are 21€, shifter adapters 30€, and spare pads are 33€.

The Brembo Gr-Pro brake kit will first be available in Europe only, starting in July 2026. It’ll hopefully roll out to broader international markets later in the year.

Brembo.com

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Last Summer, we saw the return of Magura’s Luise Elite 4-piston brakes. But, at the time, they were only available on complete bikes. That is, until now. The Louise Elite 4-piston brake is now available for individual purchase through your favorite bike shop. The Louise Elite is a brake that targets both urban commuters and mountain bikers who are looking for reliable 4-piston stopping power across different types of riding scenarios.

The Louise Elite 4-piston brakes feature one-piece forged aluminum calipers that are paired with 2.0mm thick rotors. This creates a rigid system where the rider feels their hand force transfer directly into braking power.

The one-piece caliper design helps prevent leaks and also provides heat resistance and consistent performance, whether you’re navigating city traffic or tackling demanding trails.

Plus, Magura also backs their brakes with a 5-year leak-proof warranty on both the master cylinder and caliper.

The Magura Louise Elite has a couple of cool, standout features. The first being, the brake’s master cylinder is fully compatible with Bosch eBike ABS systems for both Touring and Trail modes, offering increased oil flow volume for precise ABS function.

The second is Magura’s Easy Link technology, which offers a tool-free hose connection system, speeding up installation by a claimed 40%. This tech also simplifies maintenance through its master cylinder and brake hose’s easy, plug-and-play design.

Magura Louise Elite Retail & Detail

Retail: $127 (€110)

• Caliper: one-piece forged, 4-piston, Aluminum
• Bleeding: Bleed screw on the caliper, valve retrofittable
• Brake Master: Carbotecture, EASY LINK hose connection
• ABS compatibility: Bosch eBike ABS ready
• Rotors: MAGURA 2.0 mm rotors
• Brake pads: MAGURA MDP 9 GREEN
• Brake hose: MAGURA Disctube 2.2, rotatable
• Brake lever: MAGURA LOUISE ELITE, Carbotecture, T25 reach adjust
• Clamp: Carbotecture, one-piece, Shiftmix IG
• Weight: 250 g (*100 cm hose, incl. clamp)
• Warranty: 5-year leak-proof warranty

Get more details and check out everything Magura has to offer.

Magura.com

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Both SRAM and RockShox had major announcements yesterday as February comes to a close. While we’ve seen DH forks and drivetrains that look a touch different or seem new, the brands have done a pretty good job of keeping their latest offerings under wraps.

Now, the new RockShox Boxxer and updated Vivid Ultimate, SRAM XX DH Transmission, and updated Maven brakes have been released. No more hiding, no more secrecy. So, of course, we’re starting to see some brands updating their DH bikes with these new components.

It started with the Pivot Phoenix XX DH Special Edition, and continues with some other rad offerings, likely with many more to come.

New DH Offerings

Mondraker Summum

The Summum stretches back more than 15 years. The DH bike came into production in 2011, with the earliest sightings in the years leading up. And, with the release of the latest and greatest from SRAM and RockShox, we’re seeing a brand new Summum hitting the tracks.

Well, actually, this bike has been hitting the tracks for over a year now. Mondraker says they’ve been working on the bike for a couple of years, with earlier prototypes sitting atop podium steps.

The new Mondraker Summun helped Ronan Dunne snag a World Cup victory at Les Gets last season. It was also beneath Ryan Pinkerton when he was crowned the 2025 US DH National Champion. 

The bike also had an appearance at last year’s Redbull Hardline in Tasmania. But many missed it, simply because not much has changed–visually, at least.

Mondraker slightly changed the rocker link, making the latest version a bit shorter. It also sits lower in the frame. They also moved the rear shock mount a bit lower on the frame and added a flip chip, allowing you to change the bottom bracket height by 5mm and the headtube angle by 0.35°.

There are also adjustments on the rear dropouts. Chainstays sit at 455mm across the three sizes, but can grow or shrink by 5mm. Reach-adjust headset cups also allow for 5mm of adjustment.

In fact, geometry is likely the most significant change on this DH rig. Mondraker continues with the “longer, lower, slacker” trend for the new Summum. The chainstays and reach are both longer compared to previous iterations. The headtube angle is a whole degree slacker, sitting at 62.5°, and the stack has also increased to 642mm on a size large. 

Combined, these give the new Summum a lengthy wheelbase of just over 1,315mm. Longer indeed. Along with geo tweaks, the Summum sees some kinematic tweaks to its Zero Suspension System. More mid-stroke support was added, allowing the bike to ride a touch higher in its travel.

And, of course, the Summum is sporting the new DH offerings from SRAM and RockShox.

Mondraker Summum Details

Mondraker offers the Summum in two builds: Summum R and RR. Both feature Mondraker’s Stealth Alloy frame and remain mixed-wheeled. The Summum RR sports the latest and greatest DH components from RockShox and SRAM – which probably includes the new brakes. At this point, without the brand listing, whether it’s the Maven A1 or B1, it’s anyone’s guess. Here’s the build:

• Fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate 
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX DH Transmission
• Wheels: DT Swiss EX 1700 w/ 350 hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Assegai/DHR 
• Weight: 41.7lbs (18.9kg)
• Price: $9,499

Check it out at mondraker.com.

Ari Superior Peak

The Superior Peak is the DH bike in Ari’s lineup. While nothing has changed as far as frame and geometry go, the new Superior peak does see some other fairly significant changes.

First, as more DH racers and park rats alike are taking advantage of a smaller rear wheel, the bike will now come standard in the mixed-wheel configuration. But those enjoying the rollover of the larger rear wheel will be happy to know that the frame still accommodates a 29” wheel.

The Superior Peak is also getting a color refresh, adding Chameleon Metallic and Raw Alloy/Black.

And, obviously, Ari is using many of the new DH components from SRAM and RockShox across the builds. This includes the new Boxxer, Vivid Coil, Maven brakes, and XX DH Transmission. Ari is using not only the new top-level Ultimate suspension but also the new Select-level suspension on lower models.

But, we like to drool over the top-spec’d DH bikes, so here is the build for Ari’s Superior Peak Pro:

• Fork: RockShox Boxxer Ultimate
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate DH
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver (revised SwingLink)
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX DH Transmission
• Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis DH Alloy V2
• Tires: Maxxis Assegai/DHR 
• Price: $7,899

Check it out, along with the other builds, at aribikes.com.

The post Updated Mondraker Summum & Ari Superior Peak Now Include Newest Parts From SRAM & RockShox appeared first on Bikerumor.

If you want braking power, there’s not much better than the SRAM Maven. Introduced just two years ago, the Maven ushered in a new era for SRAM when it comes to brakes. Not only were the Mavens incredibly powerful, but it also marked a move from SRAM’s past use of DOT fluid to a mineral oil-based future. While Mavens certainly delivered on power, the on/off nature of the lever feel left some riders wanting more.

Not more power, but more modulation.

That’s where the new Maven B1 comes in. SRAM has taken a brake with the same confidence-boosting stopping power and given it more control thanks to a new SwingLink Gold architecture. Better still – this new SwingLink is backwards compatible with Maven Lever Tuning kits for existing brakes.

Let’s dive in.

New Leverage Ratio Curve + Lower Breakaway Force = More Control

For starters, SwingLink is the name SRAM has given to the cam inside the brake lever that creates a progressive action that builds power as you pull. But how that cam is shaped can drasitically effect the feel at the lever. The current or previous version of SwingLink on the Maven brakes requires more lever force to actuate the brake, and has a ‘notch’ in breakaway force after the lever starts moving. That makes it easier to ‘over brake’ when you’re just trying to bleed off a bit of speed.

The new SwingLink cam, which is gold to differentiate it from the old red version, decreases lever breakaway force by nearly 50% (4.25N vs. 8N). It also does away with that ‘notch, meaning you get consistent breakaway force until the lever is fully moving, and it gets easier.

If you’ve heard of a brake described as having an on/off feeling, this is what it’s referring to. The old version took a lot of lever force to turn ‘on’, but as soon as it got to that notch, it was harder to modulate.

The new version starts with a lower lever force and allows the rider to ramp up the braking power more steadily – think dimmer switch instead of an on/off switch.

In addition to the lower breakaway force, the new SwingLInk Gold also delivers a more linear leverage ratio. The lighter feeling of the new lever at the start of the stroke is thanks to a higher 4.25 starting ratio, which puts it much closer to the Maven Base. From 0-30mm of lever travel, the leverage ratio is less aggressive, but it still ends with a ramp-up in leverage ratio to deliver the power we all love from the Mavens.

New Pistons to Match

The new SwingLink results in a higher mechanical rate, so to compensate, the new Maven B1 brakes move from 19.5/18mm pistons to 4x18mm pistons. SRAM states that higher mechanical rate + slightly lower hydraulic rate = same power.

But what about the backwards-compatible Tuning Kits? Those brakes will still have 19.5/18mm pistons, so how will SwingLink Gold affect them? According to SRAM, you “can expect a marginal increase in deadband—due to the slightly larger piston volume—and a subtle boost in peak power stemming from the higher mechanical advantage at full stroke.”

Any Other Changes?

Mechanically, that’s most of the changes with the exception of lever blade material. The Maven Ultimate now gets carbon lever blades, while the Maven Silver gets a sleek forged and machined aluminum lever. Silver also gets black-on-black hardware for a stealth look that should make these brakes very popular. The OE-only Maven Bronze also gets the forged lever, but without the machined weight reduction and a blacked-out finish.

Maven Lever Tuning Kits for Existing Brakes

If you already have a set of the Maven brakes, you’ll probably be interested in the Lever Tuning Kits – it’s a pretty massive difference. Tuning kits will be available in three different kits:

•Carbon blade for Ultimate or Silver brakes (Bearing) $109

•Forged + CNC’d blade for Ultimate or Silver brakes (Bearing) $89

•Forged blade for Bronze only (Bushing) $89

It’s important to note that SRAM Maven Base brakes cannot be retrofitted. The install claims to take just 10 minutes and does not require re-bleeding your brakes. The Carbon and Aluminum tuning kits for the bearing-based levers even include the T10 Torx screwdriver you need to complete the install.

These Tuning Kits fit into a bigger overall approach by SRAM to get people into the mindset of tuning their brakes to their intended purpose – one brakeset will not fit all riders. Between the lever architecture and lever fit to change the feel and modulation, to different rotor size, rotor type, and brake pad materials, you can fine-tune the brake power and feel to your liking.

Maven B1 Ultimate Brakes Actual Weight

We got a set of the new Maven Ultimate B1 brakes in for testing, so naturally, we had to throw it on the scale. Right? You’ll be happy to know that both front and rear brakes came in under the claimed weight of 363g at 361g and 341g.

I think one of the most interesting aspects of the Maven brakes in terms of weight stems from their power – they’re so powerful you may need to size down a rotor size. In the case of the ebike I put these on, with the previous brakes (not Mavens), I felt like I needed to consider the 220mm rotor, at least on the front. With the Mavens, I definitely don’t need a 220 up front, and I probably don’t need the 200 out back, instead running a 180mm. That’s a substantial weight savings in rotor and mounting hardware/adapters that more than makes up any increase in brake weight itself.

It’s nice to see mostly cardboard & paper-based packaging on the new brakes and service products.

First Impressions

Admittedly, my experience with the previous Mavens has been mostly limited to eMTB use. With the heavier bikes and need for more stopping power, the lack of modulation didn’t really bother me. So would I even notice the difference with the new brakes?

Yes. 100% yes. I got out two ebikes, one with the Maven A1 Silvers and the other with the new Maven B1 Ultimates, so I could ride them back to back. After bedding in the brake pads on the new Ultimates, I tried the A1s. The very first time I pulled the brake levers, it was immediately apparent that there was a massive difference in lever feel. Where the new B1 Ultimates felt silky-smooth in their ramp-up, culminating in endo-enducing power, the A1s now felt fairly unrefined.

I would want to try the Tuning Kit in order to see how that “marginal increase in deadband” feels, but I get the feeling that adding the new SwingLink will be a no-brainer for existing Maven users. And for those that aren’t current Maven users, the new Maven B1 brakes are an easy recommendation for riders who prioritize stopping power and control.

It’s also worth pointing out that for those who haven’t bled a set of mineral oil-based SRAM brakes with the Bleeding Edge caliper tool – the bleeding process is dialed. This might have been the easiest set of brakes to bleed for me… ever. Everything worked. The only fluid spill was a bit of extra that came out of the brake lever bleed port (can we get a Bleeding Edge fitting at the lever, too?), and it took one go with perfect results.

Maven Ultimate (Descriptions from SRAM)

Maven is the benchmark of power for modern riders, providing them with the boundless power of confidence and commitment. With extreme power for elevated speed and control on ever-more demanding terrain, Maven gives riders the power to push boundaries everywhere they ride. Maximum control begins at the lever, where Maven Ultimate features a SwingLink architecture tuned for smooth power delivery, enhancing modulation and reducing hand fatigue. The stiff 4-bolt caliper manages an incredible amount of heat which keeps the power consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. And with so much baseline power on hand, there is more range than ever before to tune the ride qualities exactly how you want with different pad materials, and rotor sizes. Maven Ultimate features a sleek carbon lever blade and a caliper with machined edges and titanium hardware for a finish worthy of any modern super bike. And for unrivaled ease of customization, features tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust. Maven is the expert, but Maven Ultimate is the pinnacle.

• Re-designed SwingLink architecture for smooth power delivery and lighter engagement for a broader range of ergonomic preferences
• Tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust
• 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Easily tuneable across Gravity, E-MTB, Enduro and Trail bikes
• Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management
• Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
• Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
• Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Ultimate worthy carbon Lever blade and Titanium hardware
• DB-MVN-ULT-B1
• $299 per brake

Maven Silver

Maven is the benchmark of power for modern riders, providing them with the boundless power of confidence and commitment. With extreme power for elevated speed and control on ever-more demanding terrain, Maven gives riders the power to push boundaries everywhere they ride. Maximum control begins at the lever, where Maven Silver features a SwingLink architecture tuned for smooth power delivery, enhancing modulation and reducing hand fatigue. The stiff 4-bolt caliper manages an incredible amount of heat which keeps the power consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. And with so much baseline power on hand, there is more range than ever before to tune the ride qualities exactly how you want with different pad materials, and rotor sizes. Maven Silver features a bold black anodized finish with black hardware. And for unrivaled ease of customization, features tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust.

• Tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust
• Re-designed SwingLink architecture for more predictable power delivery
• and lighter engagement for a broader range of ergonomic preferences
• 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Easily tuneable across Gravity, E-MTB, Enduro and Trail bikes
• Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management
• Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
• Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
• Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Bold black anodized finish with black hardware for stealth builds
• A new lightweight forged lever blade with machined cut-outs
• DB-MVN-SLV-B1
• $265 per brake

Maven Bronze (OE Only)

Maven is the benchmark of power for modern riders, providing them with the boundless power of confidence and commitment. With extreme power for elevated speed and control on ever-more demanding terrain, Maven gives riders the power to push boundaries everywhere they ride. Maximum control begins at the lever, where Maven Bronze features a SwingLink architecture tuned for smooth power delivery, enhancing modulation and reducing hand fatigue. The stiff 4-bolt caliper manages an incredible amount of heat which keeps the power consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. And with so much baseline power on hand, there is more range than ever before to tune the ride qualities exactly how you want with different pad materials, and rotor sizes. Maven Bronze features a black anodized finish, and for ease of customization includes tool-free Reach Adjust.

• Re-designed SwingLink architecture for more predictable power delivery and lighter engagement for a broader range of ergonomic preferences
• 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Easily tuneable across Gravity, E-MTB, Enduro and Trail bikes
• Stiff 4-piston caliper with best heat management
• Stealth lever architecture for a sleeker, more modern ride
• Mineral Oil for low maintenance and performance
• Designed for use with Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Sleek black anodized finish fits any build
• New lightweight forged lever blade
• Tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust
• DB-MVN-BRZ-B1

SRAM.com

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