It wasn’t long ago when SRAM proclaimed the superiority of using DOT fluid in high-performance hydraulic mountain bike brakes. DOT fluid, named as such referring to brake fluids classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation based on their boiling points, has different characteristics from mineral oil alternatives used in brakes made by many other cycling brands.
Some disadvantages of DOT fluid include hygroscopic properties (it absorbs water which lowers its boiling point), a risk of caustic reactions with skin and other bike components, and more frequent service intervals. Yet, since the early 2000s when SRAM purchased Avid brakes and carried over much of the associated engineering and design, all of its brakes have relied on DOT fluid to transmit hydraulic power from lever to caliper.
Highs: Mineral oil offers advantages over DOT fluid including longer service intervals, less chance of part or frame corrosion and skin damage, and it's hydrophobic so it won't absorb moisture. The new Motive brakes perform well when set up properly. Brake catalog is now streamlined with five primary models.
Lows: Mineral oil mixture is specific to SRAM brakes. Bleed procedure must be followed as prescribed to ensure proper function. Nothing for the weight weenies.
Price: US$600 / €655 / £585 for Motive Ultimate Expert box set, as tested. Prices for other brake models listed below.
SRAM finally changes its brake fluid
That finally changed in 2022 when SRAM released DB8, a largely new design that runs on mineral oil instead of DOT fluid. At $137 per wheel, DB8 are priced similarly to Shimano’s SLX and are marketed toward riders who want an affordable and “set-and-forget” braking option. Resembling the shape of SRAM’s Code brake caliper – the go-to in the brand’s catalog for trail and enduro segments – DB8 existed alongside it in the lineup for the past few years and is said to offer nearly the same braking power, but with recommended service intervals after two years of riding rather than just one.
SRAM also co-developed a proprietary mineral oil recipe with Maxima for use in their brakes that require unique internal seals made of “material able to regain its original shape when a load is removed from it.” Then, last year, SRAM introduced Maven, which was billed as its most powerful brake ever, offering 50% more force than Code via oversized pistons in a high-volume caliper held together by four prominent body bolts. Stating better results in testing for both braking power and reduced lever pull effort, Maven brakes joined DB8 as also using mineral oil.
After a few years of trickling out mineral oil brakes, SRAM has now ripped off the proverbial band-aid and revamped its entire mountain bike brake catalog. The revised lineup, in order of power and price point, consists of five models, with various versions of each: Maven, Motive, DB8, DB6, and DB4. Previous DOT-based mainstays such as Code and Level are being replaced by the new models.
Maven Ultimate Expert caliper (left) and full Expert kit (right).
When Maven brakes were released last year, they were sold in a limited-edition box set called the “Expert” kit, which included multiple sets of rotors, pads, mounts, and a bleed kit. The Ultimate-tier brake calipers in the set featured a distinctive red and silver splattered anodized motif (the silver splatters revealing the raw alloy caliper body beneath), while the levers were the same raw titanium and black color as the standard Ultimate models widely sold. SRAM used the expert sets for media and influencer seeding, which is why they popped up all over the internet at launch time, but were difficult to source from local bike shops.
With the release of the new Motive brakes, SRAM has also packaged them in a limited run set, only this time, the calipers are a hue of teal with silver splatter and the levers black with logos colored in a congruent teal. Dave Rome and I each received a Motive Ultimate Expert kit. Let’s take a closer look at Motive brakes and what comes in the Expert-level box.
Maven exploded view (left); Motive exploded view (right).
Motives are positioned as SRAM’s new powerful lightweight option for disciplines spanning XC to trail riding. According Ben Crowe, SRAM MTB Product Manager, "the goal of Motive was to deliver a brake with Level weight and Code power. So the comparisons made between Maven and Code largely apply to Motive as well." They feature similar construction as Maven, but in a sleeker caliper design that contains smaller pistons (Maven pistons are 18 and 19.5 mm/ Motive pistons are 16 mm and 15 mm). Motive levers are SRAM’s “stealth” design that have been around since the first AXS Transmission release two years ago.
Similar to SRAM's guidance in setting up Maven brakes, Motive stopping power can also be "tuned" through using different sizes and types of its brake rotors. Each 20 mm increase or decrease in rotor size equates to a claimed power difference of 14%. Further, HS2 rotors are claimed to be 7% more powerful than Centerline. Our contacts at SRAM have indicated they are working on developing guidelines for tuning various brakes to types of riding and rider weight. For now, they are using suspension models as a starting point: "general reference is that SID SL, SID, Pike start with Motive. Lyrik, Zeb, Boxxer start with Maven. From there we generally recommend starting with the min rotor size for those forks - (160, 180, 180, 180, 200, 200). Lastly you can play with rotor model – CLX is lighter while HS2 offers more power."
Motive brakes come in four tiers: Ultimate (US$275/wheel), Ultimate Expert (US$599/kit, as above), Silver US$225/wheel), and Bronze (US$175/wheel). As has become standard practice across the SRAM ecosystem, the brand will offer various product levels to hit specific price points with changes in materials, finishes, and minor mechanical differences while typically retaining the same performance throughout. All Motive brake models feature a tool-free reach adjustment, the same brake pad fitment (shared with Code), and use the proprietary Maxima Mineral Brake Oil. Differences can be found in areas such as lever blades, pivot hardware, and caliper hose fittings.
The Ultimate Expert kit is actually a solid value for those wanting to make the switch to Motive Ultimates. It includes both front and rear brakes, two sets of rotors (160 and 180 mm), bolts, two sets of pads (resin and metallic), rotor case, and a Pro Bleed kit. At US$599, it's not exactly cheap, but it's just $50 more than the Ultimate brakes alone, and when you figure in the cost of rotors (US$55 ea.) and complete bleed kit (US$127), that's compelling unless you already have all that equipment at home or will always have your brakes installed and serviced at a shop.
Filling out the mineral oil brake lineup, DB6 (US$95/wheel) and DB4 ($US75/wheel) represent lower-cost complements to DB8 (US$135/wheel). Since all three DB models use the same design, they will all reportedly have an indistinguishable feel and performance and are said to offer "Code-like power" in a low maintenance package. The major differences between the three models are in levers and mounting clamps. DB8 has ambidextrous levers for use on the left or right side with MatchMaker (MMX) clamp, DB6 levers are side-specific with MMX clamp, and DB4 levers are also side-specific but without MMX clamp.
On Motive and brake fluids
I've been putting miles on the Motive Ultimate brakes aboard the Otso Hoot titanium hardtail I reviewed last year and have some thoughts and observations to report. Those are for Escape Collective members, so if you haven't yet joined, please do.
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