The Ultimate is based directly on the Guide RSC but features a number of updates. First up it’s lighter and more expensive; at $400 per end it’s almost twice the price of the regular RSC model. The weight drops to 245g for a front brake without the rotor; a 15g saving. This increases to a 25g weight loss if you also employ a new Centerline X rotor. This won’t justify the cost difference but there’s more to the Ultimate than its carbon lever blade and titanium hardware.
Functionally the lever is identical to the Guide RSC; all the action happens down at the calliper end. While it still uses a four-pot layout, the forged alloy pistons feature a new low friction anodised coating and seals that aim to improve the pad roll back. There’s also a phenolic insulator that’s meant to reduce heat transfer to the brake fluid, and a larger opening to increase airflow around the pad. Finally, the fluid path and bleed port have been changed to make the bleed process easier.
While the bleed steps remain the same, the new snap-in fitting at the calliper end makes the process a little cleaner and easier. More importantly, it was faster and easier to get a really good bleed, making the brake lever feel super sharp and responsive.
The Ultimate does have a different feel at the lever when compared to the regular Guide. It seems snappier and smoother; perhaps due to the new slippery coating on the pistons or maybe they feel great as it’s easier to get a perfect bleed (most likely a bit of both).
Probably the biggest improvement is with the pad roll back. There’s more daylight between the pads and the rotors; not as much as on the Shimano XT callipers but there’s noticeably more clearance than with the Guide RSC. This makes the initial set up and adjustment much easier.
After using the Ultimates in a few gravity enduro events as well as down the longest and steepest descents in my area, I with can confirm that they offer the same top-notch modulation and outright power as the regular Guide but with an even more consistent feel at the lever. No matter how hot you run them, the lever just feels the same; nice and solid with a consistent bite point.
While the Ultimate price is prohibitive, they do offer some noticeable advantages over already excellent Guide RSC brakes. Hopefully SRAM will eventually offer a ‘not so ultimate’ version that delivers the new calliper design minus the titanium and carbon; it’d be awesome to see the same performance at a more attainable price point.
Monza Imports (03) 8327 8080 / www.sram.com
