SRAM Code R Disc Brakes [Rider Review]

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One of the best upgrades you can make on your mountain bike is upgrading your brakes to get more stopping power. Thankfully, SRAM makes the Code series brakes that are built to withstand the most demanding riding conditions. Our friend Matt recently installed them on his Yeti and hasn't looked back. Read on for more!

Overview

To start this off I just wanted to let you guys know a little about my brake history. I’m 17 years old and I’ve been riding mountain bikes for about 8 years. However, I did fall in love with the sport until about 5 years ago, and little did I know how much was involved in deciding what bike and what components to ride with.

I started off with the basic Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes as we all do, and then I purchased my first real full suspension mountain bike, a Trek Fuel EX 8. This bike came equipped with Shimano Deore SLX brakes which were one tier up from the classic Deores. After a couple of years, I bought a 2018 Santa Cruz Bronson C S, equipped with the infamous Sram Guide R’s, and I was very surprised by the modulation of the Sram brakes. However, I started getting more into enduro/downhill riding and the Guide’s were not doing the job so I upgraded to the TRP Quadiem G-Specs, after reading numerous raving reviews about how modulated and powerful these brakes were. They served me well while I was on the Bronson, and I really have no complaints about them, except for the fact they never really gave that bite feeling you're looking for when you about to smack a tree.

About 5 months ago I bought a Yeti SB 5.5 Turq frame and built it up with my ideal parts. I’m a huge fan of testing out new components so I came to the conclusion to give Sram’s Code R brakes a shot, and all I can say about them is one thing; success.

These brakes give the perfect balance of modulation, meaning not the Shimano I’m about to flip over the bars because I pulled my front brake too hard, and not too subtle to fail to stop you before that massive tree right in front of you. They really are the ideal brake in my opinion.

The only problem I’ve had so far is the bleeding process, which I recommend taking as much time as possible while doing, and whatever you do, do not leave this till the night before a big trip. In these brakes every bubble counts for if there is any air in the system, I mean even the smallest of bubbles; they feel soft and squishy. Other than that I would equip these on just about any bike I build in the future. Not too heavy for the long pedal days, and certainly enough power for park days. There is absolutely no lack of power over long, steep descents even when you are heading towards that corner a little too fast.

Final Thoughts

All in all I’m very impressed, and you could consider me a lifetime user of the Code series.