TMB Review: SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes

My 2020 Specialized Turbo Levo, with 135mm of rear travel and 150mm Ohlins RXF 36 fork, came equipped with SRAM Code brakes, which worked fine but, compared with the binary qualities of Shimano, always felt indistinct, flexy, and gummy. So when I got the chance to upgrade to the latest version of these brakes, I jumped. Would they be an improvement?

The short answer is, yes, these are much better than previous iterations. And yet, given the options, I probably still wouldn’t pick them. Here’s why:

The Codes are a refinement on past models, but not a full rethink. Lever feel is so much better than prior iterations. The bite point is sharp and distinct, much more akin to a Shimano feel. The Codes have plenty of power, beyond that of the XTs and about the same as the Dominions, though it takes more input to activate that power here. Modulation is better than the Shimanos too,  but nowhere near that of the A4s.

So here’s the challenge for this brake: Though it is a solid pick for enduro setups and heavy e-bikes, it’s significantly more expensive and less powerful and nuanced than the newer SRAM Maven Silvers. So even though I liked the aesthetics, the tool-free reach and stroke adjustment, and even the feel, I will always lean toward the more convincing power and lower price tag of the next step in SRAM’s lineup.

SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes Bottom Line: These Codes are better than any Codes before them. And I still wouldn’t choose them. They have plenty of power, better bite point and modulation than previous iterations, and the look is architectural and clean. They are a good brake. But for less money, you can get better modulation (Hayes or TRP) or more power (Mavens). So the improvements feel like too little, too late. I am happy to have upgraded for this bike and pleased with the performance. But if I could put Mavens on this Levo, I would. Shop SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes

SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes Bottom Line: These Codes are better than any Codes before them. And I still wouldn’t choose them. They have plenty of power, better bite point and modulation than previous iterations, and the look is architectural and clean. They are a good brake. But for less money, you can get better modulation (Hayes or TRP) or more power (Mavens). So the improvements feel like too little, too late. I am happy to have upgraded for this bike and pleased with the performance. But if I could put Mavens on this Levo, I would. Shop SRAM Code Ultimate Brakes

by Aaron Gulley Aaron has been writing about cycling, travel, and the outdoors and reviewing gear for the likes of Outside, Bicycling, Velonews, and others for over two decades.