SRAM's new Maven disc brake is built to achieve even greater braking power than ever before to boost confidence when riding sketchy tracks and to reduce fatigue, all while retaining plenty of modulation. And with that, SRAM throws out some pretty wild numbers, claiming the new brake produces nearly 50 per cent more power than the Code but importantly with 32 per cent less effort at the brake lever. The latter puts all of that power on tap but it's key in reducing fatigue over long race stages.​

• Mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes – understanding the differences
• How to clean disc brakes on a bicycle
• Talking disc brake technology with SRAM

The Maven gets four pistons that measure 19.5mm and 18mm in diameter which SRAM says provides more force against the pads resulting in more friction. This requires a specific ratio of the piston size inside the lever to optimise the relationship between the caliper pistons and the lever piston.

2024 sram maven close.jpg, by Liam Mercer

As with many SRAM brakes, the Maven gets the brand's SwingLink tech that changes the leverage rate throughout the lever stroke. This should add modulation as the more you pull on the lever, the more power at the caliper. So it's safe to say that SRAM is doing a lot to step away from the on/off feel of some of its competitors.

2024 sram maven rear.jpg, by Liam Mercer

This brake also benefits from four bolts that hold the two halves of the calpier together, rather than just two. SRAM says that calipers flex under heavy braking load and these bolts have been added to mitigate that, boosting power by increasing stiffness in the unit. Besides those features, the Maven borrows bits from the brand's existing brakes, such as the pivot point placement, lever blade length, shape, contact point, and reach adjustments. However, there's a new Stealth architecture for the hoses for a clean look.

With a lot of braking power comes heat, though SRAM sets its sights on beating the misconception that heat is bad for brakes. The Maven is designed to maintain optimal operating temperature for longer. This is at the expense of how quickly they heat up, the brand admits that these brakes don't warm as quickly but it's said that they won't cool down too quickly. This is all to achieve consistent performance.

Then to put up with the heat, the Maven gets new seals with a special material that holds onto its seal regardless of the heat cycle. With that, the Maven uses mineral oil as SRAM states that these heat-tolerant seals overcome the disadvantage of mineral oil's tendency to overheat sooner than DOT fluid.

2024 sram maven lever lifestyle.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The SRAM Maven is available in four models with the Ultimate Expert Kit being graced with a Van Halen-esque Red Splash colour. This build comes with everything you need to tune braking power (one 220mm, two 200mm and one 180mm rotors) as well as a bleed kit, MMX clamps, two adjustable post brackets and a handy travel bag for the set of rotors. This set also comes with both organic and sintered pads.

The Maven Ultimate gets organic pads as standard, tool-free contact points and reach adjustments. This brake then benefits from the polished lever body and titanium hardware. Maven Silver comes with a blade anodized finish and all of the adjustments then Maven Bronze ditches the contact point adjustment.

Prices start at £200 for the Maven Bronze and go up to £600 for the Maven Ultimate Stealth Expert. So with Code Ultimate Stealth costing £195 an end, it's clear that the claimed step up in performance comes with a rather serious step up in price.

• www.sram.com

You might also like:

• Komoot vs Strava - which cycling app is best for you?
• What is downcountry?
• Mountain biking on a budget - everything you need to know