Why I Think the Maven Base Is SRAM’s Best Enduro Brake

Words by: Liam Woods

Did SRAM just make their base model Mavens the best of everything?

When SRAM released the Maven lineup, most people immediately gravitated toward the top-tier Ultimate model for its full factory treatment, sleek carbon levers, and premium feel. But after three months on the Maven Base—including back-to-back riding in Tasmania and New Zealand—I think SRAM may have quietly built the Goldilocks brake of their entire lineup.

So here’s the question I kept asking myself on trail:

“Can a base model really be the best version of a product?”

In my opinion, the base model of the Mavens are the best version for me, let me tell you why. 

Specs & Key Differences: 

On paper, the Maven Base and Maven Ultimate share the same overall structure, but the real story lies in the details that shape how these brakes feel and perform on trail. There are two core differences—lever mechanism and caliper piston sizing—that dramatically affect power delivery and modulation. And for most riders, these differences tilt the scale toward the Base model.

The first major difference is in the lever design. The Maven Base uses SRAM’s Direct Link lever architecture, which creates a more linear power curve throughout the lever stroke. That means the brake builds power in a smooth and predictable way—no surprises, no spikes. In contrast, the Maven Ultimate uses the Swing Link, a design that ramps up power more aggressively as you pull deeper into the lever stroke. Some riders prefer that progressive feel, especially on steep terrain or eMTBs, but for me, it came on too fast—especially on a lighter enduro bike.

Next is the caliper piston setup. The Maven Base runs four equal 18mm pistons, while the Maven Ultimate steps it up with two 18mm and two larger 19.5mm pistons. This gives the Ultimate more peak power, but it also makes the brake feel more “on-off.” The Base, on the other hand, hits the sweet spot: more powerful than the outgoing Code Ultimate (which used 15mm and 16mm pistons), but without the sometimes overwhelming bite of the full-size Maven Ultimate. 

Both brakes use SRAM’s new Maxima Mineral Brake Fluid, and both are designed with heat management and durability in mind. I’ve been running the Maven Base with 200mm HS2 rotors and sintered pads, and even on massive descents in Tasmania and New Zealand, they’ve been totally unfazed. No fade. No overheat. Just consistent, confidence-inspiring braking.

Quick Spec & Difference Highlights:

Lever Design

• Maven Base: Direct Link – linear power, excellent modulation
  

• Maven Ultimate: Swing Link – progressive ramp-up, aggressive bite
  

Caliper Piston Size

• Maven Base: 4x 18mm pistons – great control, still very powerful
  

• Maven Ultimate: 2x 18mm + 2x 19.5mm pistons – max power, more abrupt
  

 Lever Construction

• Base: Alloy blade, simpler finish, standard hardware
  

• Ultimate: Carbon blade, premium hardware & finish
  

 Fluid & Compatibility

• Both: SRAM Maxima Mineral Oil, new mineral-specific system
  

• Compatible with all Maven calipers
  

MSRP

• Maven Base: $185 per brake

• Maven Ultimate: $300 per brake

Setup: Easy, Familiar, and SRAM-Specific

If you’ve bled any SRAM brake before, the Maven Base will feel like second nature. The process is nearly identical to the Code or Level bleed, with one key update: you’ll want to finish with a piston massage—a new addition SRAM recommends for their Maven bleed procedure. See our Bleed Tips!

This helps reset pad contact and keep the pistons aligned, improving feel and consistency. Personally, I think this should be standard for all brakes, SRAM or not.

Don’t forget that Maven uses SRAM’s Maxima Mineral Brake Fluid, not DOT. So you’ll need a compatible mineral oil bleed kit. This same fluid is shared with all SRAM’s new Maven, Motiv and DB lines.

Setup Tips:

• Follow traditional SRAM bleed procedure
  

• Add a piston massage at the end
  

• Use Maxima Mineral Brake Fluid (SRAM-specific)
  

• Use SRAM’s mineral-specific bleed kit

On-Trail Performance: The Sweet Spot of Power + Modulation

After three months of riding the Maven Base across all sorts of terrain—steep bike park laps, long backcountry descents, even high-speed alpine days—I’ve never once felt like I needed more braking power. And I’m not a heavy rider.

Paired with 200mm HS2 rotors and sintered pads, these brakes offer what I’d call “calculated power”: strong initial bite with consistent delivery through the lever pull.

There’s no sudden surge, no guessing when the power kicks in—it’s all there, from top to bottom. Even on massive descents in Tasmania and New Zealand, I experienced zero brake fade and always felt in control.

Some people have mentioned that Maven levers feel “heavier” than other SRAM brakes, and with the Ultimate, Silver and Bronze mavens that is slightly true. The Base levers felt light and responsive. Maybe it’s pad contact tuning, or the direct link actuation for the master cylinder. 

Bottom line: If Code RSCs felt great but left you wanting more power, or if Maven Ultimates felt too grabby, the Maven Base is your perfect middle ground.

What’s Worldwide’s Takeaway?

The SRAM Maven Base gives you more usable power than Code, more control than Maven Ultimate, and a lever feel that’s easier to dial in. Unless you're regularly riding a 50lb e-bike or smashing park laps 7 days a week, I truly think this is the best trail/enduro brake SRAM has made. No carbon lever, no rainbow bolts, no fluff—just the best power-to-modulation ratio I’ve felt from a SRAM brake, ever. And all at a lower price than the flagship Ultimate.

So… is the Maven Base SRAM’s goldilocks?  I’ve ridden everything they offer—and I’d say yes, every time.

This article was written / authored by Liam Woods. Liam has been in the bicycle industry for over 10 years as a racer, professional mechanic, service manager and as of late, media and content creator. Liam has ridden thousands of different bikes, ridden countless components, tested endless MTB apparel of all kinds and written reviews on it all. He's a key piece to the Worldwide Cyclery "All Things MTB" content creation puzzle. He also makes consistent appearances on the Worldwide Cyclery YouTube channel and Instagram.