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SRAM Motive Brakes Review

Motive joins Maven in SRAMs new MTB brake lineup.

XC-ready weight with downhill-inspired power

The SRAM Motive brakes redefine mountain bike stopping power with a balance of lightweight design and high performance. Designed for today’s fast-paced riders, Motive offers heavy-duty power in an XC-friendly package.

SRAM Explains the Motive

We visited SRAM HQ in Schweinfurt Germany to get some inside knowledge on this new brake system. Watch our video to and find out where Motive sits in their MTB brake range.

sram motive brakes on specialized bike in woods

More Power to Go Faster

Motive challenges traditional thinking by proving that a slight weight increase is a worthwhile trade-off for superior braking power. By offering enhanced control and measurable speed improvements, these brakes let riders push their limits. Whether against the clock or just for fun, Motive brakes allow later braking into corners and increased confidence in technical sections, ultimately leading to faster overall riding experiences.

sram motive rear caliper

Code-Like Power

Motive brakes deliver near Code-level power, SRAM’s benchmark for downhill braking performance. Inspired by World Cup DH and Red Bull Rampage-proven stopping power, Motive brings this confidence-inspiring control to a lighter package. More power means more control, making descents smoother and technical terrain more manageable. This strategic power boost allows you to ride faster without sacrificing braking precision.

sram motive brake

Level-Like Weight

SRAM has engineered Motive to be the lightest heavy-duty brake they’ve ever made. The lightweight design doesn’t compromise power, ensuring that aggressive riders get the best of both worlds. By reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining superior stopping performance, Motive brakes are perfect for XC racers and trail riders who demand efficiency without losing control.

sram motive rotor and caliper

Power to Tune

Motive brakes provide surplus power that can be adjusted to suit any riding style. With 20mm rotor size jumps affecting braking force by 14%, and multiple rotor options like HS2 and CenterLine X, riders can fine-tune performance to their needs. Sintered pads offer extended life on muddy trails while organic pads provide sharp initial bite and reduced noise. This tunability ensures optimal braking for varying conditions and rider preferences.

mountain bike through woods in mist

Maven or Motive?

While Maven is designed for extreme-duty braking in the most demanding gravity scenarios, Motive is built for riders who need a balance of light weight and power. Motive’s four-piston design offers confidence-inspiring control in an XC-friendly package, whereas Maven delivers maximum stopping force for downhill and enduro. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prioritizes ultra-light efficiency or absolute braking dominance.

Motive is ideal for riders seeking high-performance braking in a lightweight package, perfect for XC and aggressive trail riding. It balances Code-like stopping power with Level-like weight for an optimized riding experience. If you want maximum stopping power in extreme conditions Maven is the go-to choice Whether upgrading for weight saving or power SRAM’s new MTB brake lineup redefine braking performance.

SRAM Motive

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