SRAM Maven B1 Review

SRAM has listened to the MTB community’s feedback: with the new Maven B1, the most powerful brake in the lineup gets a key update. While the A1 predecessor’s massive stopping power remains, the B1 generation promises significantly improved modulation thanks to a new lever ratio and optimized piston diameters—putting an end to the high lever effort.

We put the new Sram Maven brake head-to-head with its predecessor. In a left-to-right comparison, there’s no denying the reduced breakaway force. Here, you can actually take Sram’s marketing claim at face value. Instead of the clearly perceptible initial stiction of the A1 version, the lever now moves almost linearly—without that “first hit” moment—into the zone where the pads start contacting the rotor.

The most noticeable change on trail is in the first part of the lever throw. While the A1 version basically felt like hitting a “wall” when you got on the binders, the new Swinglink-System really does allow for finer modulation. In the first 20 to 25 percent of the braking range, you can now meter in power much more delicately. That’s a decisive advantage on slick root carpets or muddy sections, since it minimizes the dreaded wheel lock-up from too much initial bite. Is it a game changer? Probably not. But it’s clearly noticeable—and more pleasant.

Braking power now ramps up more linearly, which gives the rider more confidence and helps prevent those oh-shit moments.

From a technical standpoint, SRAM is making an interesting move: instead of the previous mix of two 19.5 mm and two 18 mm pistons, the B1 caliper now runs four identical 18 mm pistons. That brings SRAM’s flagship stopper a step closer to the more budget-friendly DB models, which have always used 18 mm pistons across the board. According to SRAM, this setup has already proven itself within sponsored teams on the 2025 Downhill World Cup circuit, delivering improved modulation.

Paired with the revised lever ratio, the switch to smaller pistons also results in a noticeably lower breakaway force. You can now bring the lever to the bite point with minimal finger pressure.

Another win for existing customers: the entire system is backwards compatible. If you already own an A1-series Maven, you can retrofit the new levers via a tuning kit.

At 352 g for the front brake (excluding the rotor), the Maven is still a hefty piece of kit—which is absolutely justified given its thermal stability and massive pad surface area.

What’s interesting from real-world shop experience: while the Maven has a long-term reputation as a very reliable workhorse, we’ve recently seen more brand-new bikes where the brakes weren’t perfectly bled from the factory.

A proper bleed procedure and the so-called “pad massage” are essential to unlock the brake’s full potential. Once it’s set up correctly, though, the bite point stays rock-solid.