SRAM Maven Expert Kit [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. 

Upgrade your braking with the powerful SRAM Maven Ultimate Expert brakes—maximum stopping power, zero fade, and easy setup. See what our customer thinks!

Overview: 

I originally purchased the SRAM Maven Ultimate Expert Limited Edition brake kit ("Van Halen" red splatter) shortly after they came on the market. It was at Sea Otter a couple of years back when a SRAM rep introduced me to the Mavens and their latest brake technology inspired by Formula 1 racing. He explained that SRAM had produced a limited edition brake kit that included front and rear brakes (caliper and lever assembly), four rotors (HS2, three sizes), all necessary installation hardware, sintered and organic pads, and a pro bleed kit with mineral oil—all for about $600! It was a deal.

Initial Installation & Upgrade Reasoning
The first set ("Van Halen" red splatter) I purchased was installed on my Specialized Turbo Levo Expert, which came OEM with CODE RSC brakes. Those brakes provided good stopping power and adjustability, but given the weight of the eMTB Levo and the claimed increased performance and stopping power of the Mavens, upgrading was a no-brainer.

Availability & Color Options
I wanted to upgrade my Specialized Levo SL brakes for the same reason, but the initial run of the Limited Edition Maven kit was already sold out. I later learned SRAM introduced another version of the Limited Edition Mavens—the Maven Ultimate Teal Splatter Expert Brake Kit. It's essentially the same kit, just a new color scheme. Get them while you can because it's the best deal around and they'll likely sell out quickly if they haven't already. My hunch is that SRAM will probably release another "Limited Edition Maven Ultimate Brake Kit" soon, likely in a different color.

Performance
Performance-wise, these are the most powerful brakes I’ve ridden. I'm no expert rider, but I know the confidence of entering hot into a corner and controlling my eMTB through a smooth entry and exit. The impressive stopping power comes from their new design. First, the calipers are massive, eliminating caliper flex and effectively managing heat—both retaining and dissipating it. This is especially noticeable on long downhills or during prolonged braking sessions, with zero brake fade. The pistons and pads are oversized, and combined with the thicker HS2 rotor, it seems to support SRAM's claim of 50% more stopping power. I'm not certain it's exactly 50%, but the increase is very noticeable. Additionally, less lever force is required to achieve this stopping power—a welcome feature for riders like me with existing hand and wrist issues, significantly reducing strain and fatigue.

Rotor Recommendations
SRAM recommends downsizing your rotors with these brakes. If you typically run a 200mm rotor, drop down to a 180mm. This is part of the Maven's tunability. SRAM provides a color burn guide to help dial in the correct rotor size. The sweet spot is a bronze hue at the rotor's edge and the spokes connecting to the braking surface. A nice bonus with the Maven Ultimate Limited Edition Kit is that you have various rotor sizes included to choose from.

Installation & Serviceability
Servicing and installing the brakes is pretty easy and straightforward. If you wrench your own bike, the kit includes nearly everything needed for installation and bleeding. The pro bleed kit provides shop-quality syringes, mineral oil, Torx wrenches, olives and barbs, and even an 8mm crowfoot wrench to torque the compression nut at the lever assembly. The only item missing is a hose cutter to shorten the brake hoses.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I give the Maven Ultimate Teal Splatter Expert brake kit two thumbs up. Superior stopping power, excellent modulation, tool-less lever reach adjustment, pad contact adjustment, zero brake fade, non-corrosive mineral oil, and significantly reduced lever force compared to Codes. Best of all, they look awesome—and everyone knows when you look good, and your bike looks good, you ride 23% better