SRAM Maven Ultimate B1 Brake Set (MTB / eMTB Gravity)

The SRAM Maven Ultimate B1 is built for one thing—maximum braking power with far better modulation than traditional “power-first” gravity brakes.

Designed for modern enduro, downhill, and aggressive eMTB riding, Maven sits above Code in SRAM’s lineup and delivers significantly more outright power, stronger heat management, and greater tuning range through rotor size and pad choice. SRAM positions Maven as the benchmark of braking power for modern riders, with the Ultimate version being the flagship model.

At the centre of the system is a stiff 4-piston caliper using four 18mm pistons, paired with a redesigned B1 SwingLink architecture. This updated lever cam reduces initial breakaway force and smooths power delivery, creating lighter engagement, better modulation, and less of the “on/off” feeling some riders found in earlier high-power SRAM brakes.

The caliper uses a rigid 4-bolt construction for exceptional heat management and consistency on long descents. That matters massively on eMTBs, where heavier bikes and sustained braking loads quickly expose weaker systems. The last corner should feel like the first—and that is exactly what Maven is designed to do.

The Ultimate version adds premium finishing touches:

• carbon lever blade
• titanium caliper hardware
• machined caliper detailing
• cartridge bearing lever pivot
• tool-free reach and contact point adjustment

This is not just a powerful brake—it is a fully tuneable high-end system built for riders who push hard and want total control.

Key Features

• 4-piston hydraulic caliper with 4 x 18mm pistons for best-in-class power
• Re-designed B1 SwingLink for smoother power delivery and lighter lever feel
• Carbon lever blade for reduced weight and premium lever feel
• Titanium hardware for weight savings and premium finish
• Tool-free Reach Adjust
• Tool-free Contact Point Adjust
• Stealth lever architecture for cleaner cockpit integration
• Mineral oil system using Maxima Mineral Brake Oil only
• Post Mount caliper
• MatchMaker compatible mounting
• Front hose: 950mm / Rear hose: 2000mm
• Claimed weight: approx. 363g per brake

Torque Collective Insight

This is SRAM’s real answer to Saint-level braking power.

Older SRAM Codes were good—but if you were a heavier rider, an aggressive eMTB rider, or regularly riding steep terrain, many riders still ended up wanting more outright brake.

Maven fixes that.

But the clever part is this:
it isn’t just more power.

The B1 update gives:

• lighter initial lever feel
• smoother modulation
• easier braking precision

That makes a huge difference because massive power is useless if it feels wooden or hard to control.

Compared to Shimano Saint:

• Saint = instant bite, aggressive power
• Maven Ultimate = huge power with more tuning and modulation

Compared to Hope Tech 4 V4:

• Hope = feel and refinement
• Maven = outright power with modern adjustability

For heavy eMTBs, alpine riding, and steep technical terrain—this is one of the strongest brake sets available.

Fit & Sizing

• Front and rear sets available
• Front hose: 950mm
• Rear hose: 2000mm
• Post Mount caliper
• MatchMaker compatible
• Designed for use with:
  • 180mm
  • 200mm
  • 220mm rotors

General guidance:
For eMTB setups:

• Front → 200mm minimum, ideally 220mm
• Rear → 200mm typical

Maven really comes alive with larger rotors where heat management and power become critical.

Who It’s For

• Enduro, downhill, and aggressive eMTB riders
• Heavier riders needing maximum braking power
• Riders tackling steep, sustained descents
• Riders wanting tunable high-power braking rather than harsh on/off feel

Who It’s Not For

• Lightweight XC riders
• Riders prioritising minimal weight over power
• Riders wanting the sharpest immediate bite (Saint may suit better)
• Budget-focused builds