SRAM Motive Brakes Signal a Major Shift in MTB Tech

SRAM’s newest brake release isn’t just about power—it’s about philosophy. With the debut of the Motive, SRAM is taking a decisive step away from DOT fluid and fully committing to a mineral oil future. That’s a big move for a brand long associated with DOT-based systems like Code and Level, and it signals something much larger: a total consolidation of their brake lineup.

The Motive arrives as a high-performance XC and trail brake, born from the development process behind the DH-rated Maven. While Maven was built to conquer World Cups and Rampage cliffs, Motive takes those lessons and brings them to the lighter, faster world of XC and aggressive trail riding.

And SRAM isn’t subtle about their goals—both the Level and Code lines are being phased out. In their place? A mineral-oil-only ecosystem, where Motive and Maven handle the top-end needs, while the DB8 and its coming variants serve entry-level riders.

Why it Matters: DOT is Out, Mineral is In

The move to mineral oil isn’t just a spec sheet footnote. It’s a significant shift for SRAM and for riders. Mineral oil is more stable, less corrosive, and easier to maintain. SRAM adopting it across the board means fewer compatibility headaches and more accessible service for the everyday rider. It also reflects a broader trend across the industry toward cleaner, more user-friendly systems—one where SRAM has historically been the holdout. No longer.

Motive Highlights

• 4-piston brake aimed at XC and trail use

• DirectLink lever for linear, lightweight feel

• Maxima mineral oil shared with Maven

• Shared Code pad shape for easy sourcing

• Weight: 584g per Ultimate pair (pads + clamp hardware)

• MSRP: $350–$550 USD depending on trim (complete set)

Trim Levels

• Bronze: Aluminum lever, bushing pivot, steel hardware – 279g per end – $175

• Silver: Aluminum lever, bearing pivot, stainless steel hardware – 273g – $225

• Ultimate: Carbon lever, bearing pivot, titanium hardware – 264g – $275

Each version is available individually or bundled into an “Expert Kit,” which adds rotors, pads, bleed kit, and teal anodization—MSRP: $599. Not bad if you’re planning to build up a full rig or want to experiment with rotor sizing.

On-Trail Feel?

Unlike the SwingLink-equipped Codes, which ramp up braking power progressively, the Motive’s DirectLink lever delivers a more linear curve. That means you need to pull deeper into the lever’s stroke to access max braking power, but the initial lever feel is lighter—ideal for XC where control and finesse matter more than sheer stopping force. It’s a different experience from Code, but not necessarily lesser. Just more deliberate.

Weight-wise, SRAM isn’t chasing Shimano’s gram-counting madness here. At 264g per end for the Ultimate, it’s respectable, but not ultralight. That said, if you value braking performance over saving a few grams, the Motive is a strong contender.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a new brake—it’s a new era for SRAM. By shifting their entire brake strategy toward mineral oil and retiring Level and Code, they’re simplifying the lineup, improving long-term serviceability, and giving riders a more consistent experience across categories.

If the Maven was a statement of SRAM’s raw power potential, the Motive is their plan for the masses. And if early impressions hold up, it’s a plan that delivers.