SRAM’s Maven is a brake that shook up the market not only for its bulky looks but for the heft of power it delivers. Now found on trail bikes through to downhill rigs, it’s become a go-to for anyone seeking the pinnacle of braking power. However, the brand has shown that it’s not quite done with the Maven, as today, SRAM has unveiled the Maven B1, and parts of it are available as an upgrade kit for existing Maven A1 models.
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It comes in swinging like a…
The most obvious change found on the new Maven B1 is in its lever. Now, on the Silver model is a fresh forged aluminium lever that features a neat little cutout that sheds a gram or two, while making the brake look a little more special. However, for the first time, the Ultimate brake dons a carbon blade, which is a mainstay of SRAM’s top-end brakes, but was missing on the original model. The Maven Bronze uses a similar lever blade as models prior.
But there’s a lot more at play with the Maven B1’s lever as it gets a new SwingLink, which has been refined to achieve a smoother power delivery and better modulation. That is, without affecting the Maven’s now-famous power delivery. That new SwingLink is a custom-shaped cam that results in a progressive lever pull, so the brake provides more power the harder you pull. SRAM says that the updated SwingLink boosts control while reducing fatigue. With it, we’re told that the brake reduces deadband and relies on leverage more to reach the brake’s peak power.
With this fresh design, SRAM reckons that it provides better control throughout the first 25% of the lever’s stroke.
Though what might be the best bit is that SRAM is offering these refinements as part of an upgrade kit. So if you’re unhappy with the modulation that your current Maven A1 provides, the B1 SwingLink can be used as an upgrade on all Maven A1 models. However, expect a small increase in deadband, as there’s a change in ratio on the new Maven B1.
The Maven now gets uniform pistons
The original Maven caliper boasted a pair of 19.5mm pistons, combined with a pair of 18mm pistons. Now, the Maven B1 gets 18mm pistons all-round. This move has been made to ‘optimise’ the brakes’ hydraulic ratio when paired with the new lever updates. Pretty simple stuff.
Elsewhere, everything remains the same as the outgoing Maven models.
As for prices, the Maven B1 Ultimate will set you back £290, the Maven B1 Silver is £260, and the Maven B1 Bronze is available as OEM-only.
SRAM’s Brake Lever Tuning Kits start at £105 for the carbon lever kit, which will fit Ultimate and Silver brakes. Forged aluminium levers will set you back £85, which are compatible with Ultimate and Silver models, while the aluminium levers for the Bronze-level Maven cost £65.
