Of late SRAM has come a long with their brakes. Their recent ‘Trail’ and even newer Guide models have been great and the brand is slowly getting past the noise and consistency issues suffered in the past.
While the Guide incorporated a myriad of new features that enhance reliability, SRAM’s lighter twin piston models still relied on the older Elixir design.
With the new Level brakes, SRAM brings their XC brakes fully up to speed. The levers are slightly smaller than the Guide version but feature the same timing port closure system. While most models offer reach adjustment, the pad contact adjuster is left off. They also feature the DirectLink cam system, which varies the lever pull ratio to improve the braking power.
At the calliper end, the top two systems (Ultimate and TLM) will use a one piece body and a similar piston design to the Guide Ultimate for improved pad rollback and better rotor clearance. From there down there will be a more familiar Elixir-like two-piece calliper but the Guide style lever is retained.
Aside from being more compact and simple, the Level brakes promise reduced weight and good performance at lower price points with the Level TL and Level T models—there will be five levels of Levels in total (boom-tish).
The top-end Guide Ultimate is said to weigh just 318g including a 160mm rotor and 800mm of hose—that’s impressive and around 42g per end lighter than the four piston Guide Ultimate. The next in line Level TLM is claimed to weigh 356g, so also very light.
For more check out the video below or go to the SRAM website.
