SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth Disk Brakes and Lever [Rider Review]

SRAM Level Stealth brakes are the perfect brake system for the XC guys that want the lightest brake system but a power that punches above the expectations. We've come to love them on our short travel bikes, but let's see what one of our customers thinks!

Overview

I recently decided to try SRAM brakes again after running Shimano brakes for years. I really love the almost instant braking force of the Shimano brakes, but started to lose faith in my Shimano brakes. I have 5 mountain bikes and was finding myself bleeding brakes every week. After reading numerous web articles about problems so many other riders were encountering and just growing tired of the constant maintenance to get a ride in. I get it, I could have just replaced the system with a new model, but there are other factors that tipped the scale. I love the SRAM drive train and hated having the mixed setup, also the mounting system was designed to work together. So after a fair amount of internal struggling and ponying up the money I purchased this set of brakes. In the end this particular set of brakes was a let down.

I figured because these brakes were going on my cross-country bike the 2 piston brakes would work great. However the 2 piston SRAM brakes did not match the power of my 2 piston Shimano brakes. I did try adding the Sintered pads to improve the performance, but this was not enough. In the end I stepped up to the 4 piston brakes and these are massively better than the 2 piston.

I am not sure the sintered pads make enough difference to say they are worth replacing the included organic pads. I would definitely try the sintered pad after the organic pads wear out. I know some people will say there is a difference, but for a cross country bike I think the organic pads are very good. I do notice a slight squeal from the sintered pads that I do not get from the organic pads.

Now one thing I can say that is hands down better than Shimano is the new bleeding edge port. This is a game changer if you have an old set of SRAM brakes that does not have this port. You will need the bleeding edge fitting to use this feature.

NOTE:

SRAM brakes use DOT brake fluid and Shimano uses mineral oil. These 2 fluids ARE NOT COMPATIBLE. Make sure you do not share your syringes or tubes, getting the opposite fluid in your system will create chaos and ruin the rubber seals inside your brake components. Also, DOT fluid is corrosive and can damage your paint / parts finish if not cleaned upon completion.

Final thoughts

I really like the new SRAM brakes, so much so that I have committed to switching all my bikes to SRAM 4 piston brakes and I am happy with the performance. There will be a period where you have to adjust to the SRAM brake feel. The instant hit of Shimano is gone, but the ability to brake just as heavy is there. You just have to adjust to the new feel. For better results, be sure to bed your brakes well before you set out on the trail.