{"id":230322,"date":"2026-02-24T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/24\/sram-maven-b1-brakes-get-way-better-modulation-w-same-power-backwards-compatible-tuning-kits\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:00:00","slug":"sram-maven-b1-brakes-get-way-better-modulation-w-same-power-backwards-compatible-tuning-kits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/24\/sram-maven-b1-brakes-get-way-better-modulation-w-same-power-backwards-compatible-tuning-kits\/","title":{"rendered":"SRAM Maven B1 Brakes Get Way Better Modulation w\/ Same Power + Backwards Compatible Tuning Kits"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you want braking power, there’s not much better than the SRAM Maven. Introduced just two years ago, the Maven ushered in a new era for SRAM when it comes to brakes. Not only were the Mavens incredibly powerful, but it also marked a move from SRAM’s past use of DOT fluid to a mineral oil-based future. While Mavens certainly delivered on power, the on\/off nature of the lever feel left some riders wanting more. <\/p>\n

Not more power, but more modulation. <\/p>\n

That’s where the new Maven B1 comes in. SRAM has taken a brake with the same confidence-boosting stopping power and given it more control thanks to a new SwingLink Gold architecture. Better still \u2013 this new SwingLink is backwards compatible with Maven Lever Tuning kits for existing brakes. <\/p>\n

Let’s dive in.<\/p>\n

New Leverage Ratio Curve + Lower Breakaway Force = More Control<\/h2>\n
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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

For starters, SwingLink is the name SRAM has given to the cam inside the brake lever that creates a progressive action that builds power as you pull. But how that cam is shaped can drasitically effect the feel at the lever. The current or previous version of SwingLink on the Maven brakes requires more lever force to actuate the brake, and has a ‘notch’ in breakaway force after the lever starts moving. That makes it easier to ‘over brake’ when you’re just trying to bleed off a bit of speed. <\/p>\n

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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

The new SwingLink cam, which is gold to differentiate it from the old red version, decreases lever breakaway force by nearly 50% (4.25N vs. 8N). It also does away with that ‘notch, meaning you get consistent breakaway force until the lever is fully moving, and it gets easier.<\/p>\n

If you’ve heard of a brake described as having an on\/off feeling, this is what it’s referring to. The old version took a lot of lever force to turn ‘on’, but as soon as it got to that notch, it was harder to modulate. <\/p>\n

The new version starts with a lower lever force and allows the rider to ramp up the braking power more steadily \u2013 think dimmer switch instead of an on\/off switch. <\/p>\n

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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

In addition to the lower breakaway force, the new SwingLInk Gold also delivers a more linear leverage ratio. The lighter feeling of the new lever at the start of the stroke is thanks to a higher 4.25 starting ratio, which puts it much closer to the Maven Base. From 0-30mm of lever travel, the leverage ratio is less aggressive, but it still ends with a ramp-up in leverage ratio to deliver the power we all love from the Mavens. <\/p>\n

New Pistons to Match<\/h2>\n
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The new SwingLink results in a higher mechanical rate, so to compensate, the new Maven B1 brakes move from 19.5\/18mm pistons to 4x18mm pistons. SRAM states that higher mechanical rate + slightly lower hydraulic rate = same power. <\/p>\n

But what about the backwards-compatible Tuning Kits? Those brakes will still have 19.5\/18mm pistons, so how will SwingLink Gold affect them?<\/em> According to SRAM, you “can expect a marginal increase in deadband\u2014due to the slightly larger piston volume\u2014and a subtle boost in peak power stemming from the higher mechanical advantage at full stroke.”<\/p>\n

Any Other Changes?<\/h2>\n
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Mechanically, that’s most of the changes with the exception of lever blade material. The Maven Ultimate now gets carbon lever blades, while the Maven Silver gets a sleek forged and machined aluminum lever. Silver also gets black-on-black hardware for a stealth look that should make these brakes very popular. The OE-only Maven Bronze also gets the forged lever, but without the machined weight reduction and a blacked-out finish. <\/p>\n

Maven Lever Tuning Kits for Existing Brakes<\/h2>\n
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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

If you already have a set of the Maven brakes, you’ll probably be interested in the Lever Tuning Kits \u2013 it’s a pretty massive difference. Tuning kits will be available in three different kits:<\/p>\n

\u2022Carbon blade for Ultimate or Silver brakes (Bearing) $109<\/p>\n

\u2022Forged + CNC\u2019d blade for Ultimate or Silver brakes (Bearing) $89<\/p>\n

\u2022Forged blade for Bronze only (Bushing) $89<\/p>\n

It’s important to note that SRAM Maven Base brakes cannot be retrofitted. The install claims to take just 10 minutes and does not require re-bleeding your brakes. The Carbon and Aluminum tuning kits for the bearing-based levers even include the T10 Torx screwdriver you need to complete the install. <\/p>\n

These Tuning Kits fit into a bigger overall approach by SRAM to get people into the mindset of tuning their brakes to their intended purpose \u2013 one brakeset will not fit all riders. Between the lever architecture and lever fit to change the feel and modulation, to different rotor size, rotor type, and brake pad materials, you can fine-tune the brake power and feel to your liking. <\/p>\n

Maven B1 Ultimate Brakes Actual Weight<\/h2>\n
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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

We got a set of the new Maven Ultimate B1 brakes in for testing, so naturally, we had to throw it on the scale. Right? You’ll be happy to know that both front and rear brakes came in under the claimed weight of 363g at 361g and 341g. <\/p>\n

I think one of the most interesting aspects of the Maven brakes in terms of weight stems from their power \u2013 they’re so powerful you may need to size down<\/em> a rotor size. In the case of the ebike I put these on, with the previous brakes (not Mavens), I felt like I needed to consider the 220mm rotor, at least on the front. With the Mavens, I definitely don’t need a 220 up front, and I probably don’t need the 200 out back, instead running a 180mm. That’s a substantial weight savings in rotor and mounting hardware\/adapters that more than makes up any increase in brake weight itself. <\/p>\n

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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n
\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

It’s nice to see mostly cardboard & paper-based packaging on the new brakes and service products. <\/p>\n

First Impressions<\/h2>\n
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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Admittedly, my experience with the previous Mavens has been mostly limited to eMTB use. With the heavier bikes and need for more stopping power, the lack of modulation didn’t really bother me. So would I even notice the difference with the new brakes?<\/p>\n

Yes. 100% yes. I got out two ebikes, one with the Maven A1 Silvers and the other with the new Maven B1 Ultimates, so I could ride them back to back. After bedding in the brake pads on the new Ultimates, I tried the A1s. The very first time I pulled the brake levers, it was immediately apparent that there was a massive difference in lever feel. Where the new B1 Ultimates felt silky-smooth in their ramp-up, culminating in endo-enducing power, the A1s now felt fairly unrefined. <\/p>\n

I would want to try the Tuning Kit in order to see how that “marginal increase in deadband” feels, but I get the feeling that adding the new SwingLink will be a no-brainer for existing Maven users. And for those that aren’t current Maven users, the new Maven B1 brakes are an easy recommendation for riders who prioritize stopping power and<\/em> control. <\/p>\n

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It’s also worth pointing out that for those who haven’t bled a set of mineral oil-based SRAM brakes with the Bleeding Edge caliper tool \u2013 the bleeding process is dialed<\/em>. This might have been the easiest set of brakes to bleed for me… ever. Everything worked. The only fluid spill was a bit of extra that came out of the brake lever bleed port (can we get a Bleeding Edge fitting at the lever, too?), and it took one go with perfect results.<\/p>\n

Maven Ultimate (Descriptions from SRAM)<\/h2>\n
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\"SRAM<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Maven is the benchmark of power for modern riders, providing them with the boundless power of confidence and commitment. With extreme power for elevated speed and control on ever-more demanding terrain, Maven gives riders the power to push boundaries everywhere they ride. Maximum control begins at the lever, where Maven Ultimate features a SwingLink architecture tuned for smooth power delivery, enhancing modulation and reducing hand fatigue. The stiff 4-bolt caliper manages an incredible amount of heat which keeps the power consistent, so the last corner feels like the first corner. And with so much baseline power on hand, there is more range than ever before to tune the ride qualities exactly how you want with different pad materials, and rotor sizes. Maven Ultimate features a sleek carbon lever blade and a caliper with machined edges and titanium hardware for a finish worthy of any modern super bike. And for unrivaled ease of customization, features tool-free Reach and Contact Point Adjust. Maven is the expert, but Maven Ultimate is the pinnacle.<\/p>\n