SRAM Goes Full Gravity: Maven Brake Updates, XX DH Transmission, and RockShox Tweaks

SRAM’s latest gravity-focused updates center on better control and consistency at race speeds. The biggest change is the update to SRAM Maven. Maven already has the power, but the B1 update is about making that power easier to access and easier to manage, with a revised lever feel and a notable caliper piston update. Alongside Maven, SRAM is adding a downhill-specific XX DH T-Type Transmission drivetrain, plus small but meaningful refinements to RockShox BoXXer and RockShox Vivid Coil. Just in time for the DH race season to start.

SRAM Maven B1 Brake Update: 

Since launching two years ago, Maven has been SRAM’s most powerful brake, built to give gravity riders a huge power ceiling with real control behind it. That surplus power was the point, but early feedback also highlighted two areas worth refining: an initial bite that could come on too quickly in the first part of the lever stroke, and the mixed caliper piston sizing (19.5mm and 18mm) that could contribute to a lever feel that wasn’t perfectly uniform from pull to pull if piston movement wasn’t perfectly even. SRAM’s latest Maven updates are essentially a direct response to that feedback, keeping the same peak power while smoothing power delivery and standardizing the caliper piston layout to improve overall consistency. Maven B1 keeps the same goal as the original Maven: maximum braking power for modern e-bike, enduro, and gravity bikes. The update focuses on how the power is delivered.

• Updated SwingLink leverage-rate curve tuned for smoother power delivery and improved modulation. SRAM specifically calls out more control through the first 25% of lever stroke, where traction is easiest to upset.

• All Maven B1 calipers move to four 18mm pistons. This is the less-advertised but important update. SRAM chose the 4x18mm layout to optimize the hydraulic ratio with the new SwingLink feel.

• Maven lever tuning kits let existing Maven Ultimate, Silver, and Bronze A1 owners update to the B1 SwingLink feel without a bleed. SRAM describes it as a quick install on the dry side. 

Maven B1 specs 

• Caliper piston size: 4x18mm

• Lever: SwingLink (updated B1 leverage-rate curve)

• Brake fluid: Maxima mineral oil

• Adjustments: tool-free reach adjust, plus contact point adjust on some models
  

SRAM XX DH T-Type Transmission

XX DH Transmission takes SRAM’s T-Type Transmission concept and shrinks it for downhill use. The core idea is shifting under full power with a quiet, dialed and rebuildable drivetrain experience. 

What’s new

• 7-speed DH cassette (10-24T) 

• Full Mount derailleur using the UDH hangerless interface concept, clamping directly to the frame and designed to be able to take a proper hit. 

• Rebuildable derailleur components including skid plates, the outer link, and the DH-optimized inline cage.

• Type 4 Transmission damper paired with a compact cage to improve chain control and reduce noise in rough terrain.

• XD and XD SLIM cassette variants, with XD SLIM positioned as an option that supports a more symmetric bracing angle for wheel builds (depending on hub standard).

• Crank lengths: 150, 155, 160, 165mm 

RockShox BoXXer: LinearXL Air Spring and Charger 3.2 Updates

The BoXXer update is a system approach: an air spring, lower leg air management, and damper tuning are all revised to reduce inconsistent “speed sensitivity” and make the fork more predictable. 

Key points

• LinearXL air spring : aimed at a more linear, coil-like feel: supple off the top, supportive mid-stroke, and controlled end-stroke. 

• AirAnnex lower leg volume and breather holes intended to manage lower-leg air and improve small-bump sensitivity. The air volume increases as the fork goes through its travel. 

• Charger 3.2 damping updates: speed sensitive control and independent LSC / HSC controls that are easy to read. The damper is also quiet for less distractions while riding. 

• ButterCups and ButterWagonTech: divots in the lower parts of the stanchion tubes help to carry fresh oil up to the bushings while the buttercups keep vibrations at a minimum. 

RockShox Vivid Coil: Adjustable Bottom Out and Updated Damper

Vivid Coil’s update features a new RC2T damper and Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO) that stays focused on predictability, plus more controlled end-stroke behavior without needing to compromise the rest of the travel.

Key points

• Adjustable Bottom Out (ABO): a dial that adjusts compression damping in the last 20% of travel, with five settings.

• Updated base valve claimed to reduce IFP forces by 40%, aimed at improving small-bump sensitivity while maintaining traction.

• Usability updates like a numbered compression adjuster to make setup changes easier to track.