SRAM G2 RSC Disc Brake Lever Assembly [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

SRAM's brakes are arguable some of the best brakes money can buy. They are easy to install, priced reasonably, and have a lot of modulation. Something most brands don't offer. The G2 brakes came out only a few years ago and since then, they have taken off as some of the most popular brakes we sell. Let's see what our buddy Rubin thinks!

Rubin's Review:

I have recently purchased a pair of SRAM Guide G2 RSC disk brake lever assembly from WWC, to replace the SRAM R that came stock with my Revel Rascal 2019. I have ridden about 1000 miles this past year, largely in the Salida, CO region (which has awesome biking and bike shops). I noted that that the bite of the original SRAM Guide R was kind of “spongy”. The lever tended to reach too far into the move, reaching close to the handlebar. In addition to the original setup, the brakes were bled at least once, midseason at a bike shop in Salida, and I performed a couple of bleeds myself. They improved the feel but did not correct the underlying feel of the brakes, particularly under long seep descends.

I briefly considered changing to the Code brakes, but when I called the staff at WWC, they mentioned that you could not have a code brake lever with a Guide piston caliper; I considered switching to other brands, but the expense was hardly justified but rather a change of brake feel that Guide brakes can provide.

I then focused on upgrading the lever with the updated version of Guide G2 brake levers. Instead of waiting for some suppliers that run out of the brake calipers, I purchase them from WWC with the best price around. As with most shipping hassles these days, I got the levers in two weeks. They were professionally installed by a phenomenal bike mechanic in Salida, Scot Banks (Scots bike service). The improvement in the braking feel, lever travel, and bite was immediate! The modulation is perfect and the through till full strop precise, with the lever away from the handlebar. And all these improvements with the assembly were with the stock calipers, and new pads, and new 200 mm rotors!

The G2 levers feel sturdy, while with impeccable finishing. The installation was fast and can be done with some expertise in setting up hydraulic brakes. I noted that one needs some brake tools to hold the brake hose in place while securing it up to the lever and a torque wrench to tighten to specs. Then a bleed is needed to fill the system with Dot Fluid while removing the air in the system.

Conclusion:

"I thought that all brake levers in a specific biking modality (like cross country, trail, etc) would be pretty close irrespective of the level of the components (except for the weight and materials). But this does not apply to the “jump” from R to RSC! It provides a great modulation while biting fast when a full stop is necessary. Combined with new brake pads and larger rotors, it makes me feel confident on the brakes; moreover, the upgrade with the G2 RSC brake levers did not require that I replace the full brake system. It was a major upgrade while keeping my original brake set up. I was not yet able to test the new lever assembly in my usual rides in Colorado as snow has finally arrived but can provide a more complete evaluation as the snow melts and spring rides happen" - Rubin