Head Over Bars for SRAM’s Maven Brakeset
by Joe Lanute, PCI #2093
Huntley (IL) Police Department
Working part-time at a bike shop certainly has its unique set of perks. One such luxury is easy access to bikes, parts, and equipment. Much to the dismay of both my wife and my wallet, I take full advantage of the easy access and employee discounts.
Those privy to the world of mountain bike tech are aware of SRAM’s newest release, the Maven hydraulic brake system. I was fortunate enough to play around with a set and am excited to share my thoughts with you all. I will preface this article by saying that these brakes will likely be overkill for the world of public safety cycling; however, the trickle-down of technology into the midlevel market will be worth keeping an eye on.
Historically, SRAM has used DOT fluid in their brake systems. For those who remember the destined-for-failure AVID Elixirs, DOT fluid has its own share of faults. The new Maven brakes rely on SRAM’s own mineral fluid formula. Shimano brakes have relied on mineral oil for years now, and are the most reliable and durable brakes at nearly every level (my own, possibly unpopular, opinion).
SRAM designed the Mavens for e-Bikes and downhill steeds. SRAM touts that the Mavens are the “most powerful brakes we’ve ever made.” As someone who has both ridden and serviced my fair share of SRAM brakes, they are not kidding. Utilizing massive rotors (180- 220mm), these four-piston brakes will certainly stop you in a big hurry. Max braking drills on these brakes will set some kind of IPMBA record for sure.
I have always appreciated the modulation capable in SRAM brake systems as opposed to Shimano. The Mavens bring exceptional stopping power with the ability to modulate and take control of the trail. SRAM engineers have designed the calipers with heat ducts to disperse heat. Interestingly, the Mavens are designed to regulate the optimal amount of heat so as to not cool down too quickly.
SRAM rotors, I have found, also are excellent at dispersing heat. Make sure you bed them in correctly, so you do not ruin a front rotor… speaking from unfortunate experience with my Paul Klampers. The Maven calipers also stand out with four large hex-bolts on the outward side. SRAM brags that these calipers are made stiffer with the bolts and will not flex under extreme heat and pressure. I dig the look.
During my test ride, on a Santa Cruz Heckler SL (eMTB), I was impressed by the overall responsiveness of the system. I was able to give the bike the beans and stop just as quickly with my weight shifted all the way back. The novice rider may find themselves in front of their bike if not extra-careful with the weight transfer needed with this setup.
The Maven levers look like something you would find from a boutique bike company. Excellently machined and metallic, they will blend easily with nearly all bars and frames. I rode the Maven Ultimate with the special red/white color scheme; Van Halen fans can rejoice.
At roughly $600 USD, these brakes are not for everyone. You can find a stellar set of Code or Level brakes from SRAM that will work just fine with regular bleeds and upkeep. Save some money and upgrade your wheels, bars, stem, and seat post (again, my own, possibly unpopular, opinion).
If you dabble in eMTB and/or downhill, perhaps these brakes will be worth the price of admission. I would encourage anyone to give these a shot if presented with the opportunity. After all, variety is the spice of life. I used to be strictly a Shimano guy for both brakes and shifting. SRAM has stepped up their game in the last few years and I have been pleasantly surprised, to say the least.
At the end of the day, I love that SRAM pushes the envelope for bike tech. Soon we should see electronic shifting and transmission work its way down to the common bike and even onto our work bikes. No matter the weather, head out and ride. Remember: brakes are the only thing that should slow you down. Hope to see many of you at the IPMBA Conference in Bentonville!
Joe is a five-year officer with the Huntley Police Department where he is a certified Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, an IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor, and a Field Training Officer. He works part-time at Lucky Brake Bikes in Crystal Lake IL. He is an adjunct instructor for the Northeast Multi-Regional Training Unit (NEMRT) and the Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn IL. He can be reached at JLanute@Huntley.il.us.
Photos courtesy Joe Lanute.
(c) 2024 IPMBA. This review appeared in the 2024 Product Guide issue of IPMBA News.