SRAM overhauls its brake line up and introduces the Motive
Gone is the Code, Guide and Level – Say hello to the Motive brake and mineral oil.
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SRAM's brake range has expanded from the Level cross-country system and budget-focused DB8 to the trail/enduro Code, Guide, and Maven. Today, not only has SRAM unveiled a new drivetrain, but also refined its brake range to include the DB, Maven, and the new XC brake, the Motive. Importantly, SRAM has made the move to only run mineral oil.
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The Motive replaces the Level
SRAM's XC brake, the Level, has been replaced by the Motive. The brand recognises modern cross-country is seriously pushing boundaries. With that, the Motive aims to cater to those who love red-lining in between the tapes, and aggressive trail riders, as it promises Code-like power while claiming to be the lightest weight 'heavy duty' brake SRAM has ever made.
2025 sram motive 2.jpg, by Liam Mercer
However, SRAM admits that the Motive may be a little weightier than the Level, but the feels those grams are worth it for the boost in braking power.
Extra braking power is claimed to be achieved through the DirectLink system that's said to provide a linear lever feel. The result is consistent power delivery throughout the lever stroke. The brake also introduces a new seal design learnings from the Maven that allows the Motive to take advantage of the benefits of mineral oil.
The Motive is available at three levels, all offering tool-free reach adjustment, whereas Silver and Ultimate get bearings at the lever for a smooth feel. The Ultimate gets carbon levers. As introduced with the Maven, SRAM is also offering an Expert Kit, which includes a range of rotors, a bleed kit, and titanium hardware.
The Maven base brings big power to a more accessible price
SRAM's Maven brake has shaken up the brake space by boosting stiffness in the caliper and increasing braking power overall. Along with the rest of its brake releases, SRAM has brought the Maven to a more affordable price point with the Maven Base.
2025 sram maven base.jpg, by Liam Mercer
There are a few changes present, however. While much of its architecture remains the same, the caliper gets four 18mm pistons, rather than two 19.5mm and two 18mm. There's a tool-free lever reach adjustment and it comes with organic pads as standard.
Speaking of the Maven, the brand has brought a new limited edition Expert Kit featuring the teal splatter colourway as found on the Motive.
The DB8 becomes part of the new DB range
The DB8 was well-renowned for bringing mineral oil into SRAM's braking line up and now, it's part of its own range. Now joined by the DB6 and DB4, these brakes bring the brand's performance to a more budget-friendly platform.
2025 sram DB6.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Starting with the DB6, it uses mineral oil and follows SRAM's Stealth architecture, so it runs close to the bar for a tidy cockpit. Each lever is left and right specific with a tooled reach adjustment, and they get a split ring clamp compatible with SRAM MMX shifters and levers.
The DB4 simplifies things further with all of the features of the DB6, but its ring clamp isn't stated to be MMX compatible.
As for prices, the DB is £75 an end, the DB6 is £95 and the Maven Base is £180. If you're interested in the new Maven Ultimate Expert Kit, that'll set you back £585. The Motive Bronze is £170, the Motive Silver is £220 and the Motive Ultimate comes in at £270, whereas the Ultimate Expert Kit costs £585.
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