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DOT Brakes
DOT (Department of Transportation) brake fluid is a glycol-based hydraulic medium that is water-miscible and widely used in the automotive sector. SRAM also used DOT brake fluid for many years in all its hydraulic bicycle brakes – including models like the Level, Code, Guide, and G2. However, since 2024, SRAM has been shifting to mineral oil for all its new MTB brake systems.
It is crucial never to mix different hydraulic fluids, and DOT brake systems cannot be converted to use mineral oil – nor vice versa.
Mineral Oil Brakes
Mineral oil is easier to handle as a hydraulic medium, as it is non-corrosive and less toxic than DOT brake fluid. It also prolongs the life of seals in brake systems, effectively doubling maintenance intervals – which is why mineral oil has become the fluid of choice for most bicycle brakes. SRAM now uses mineral oil in its MTB brake models such as the Maven, DB4, DB6, DB8, and the SRAM Motive.
To prevent confusion, SRAM has designed specific bleed ports for its mineral oil brake systems.
SRAM Maven
With the Maven, SRAM sets the benchmark for modern MTB brakes: maximum braking power, high efficiency, and plenty of adjustment options. It’s aimed at riders who want to get faster in demanding terrain without losing control or confidence.
Since its launch two years ago, the Maven has defined how much power a current MTB brake should deliver. At the same time, it remains versatile: with the right mix of rotors and pads, it works from full-on downhill to e-MTB and enduro, all the way to trail bikes. A lot of real-world riding has gone into its ongoing development - from World Cup racer feedback to countless everyday bikes and the requirements of bike manufacturers.
At the heart of it is SwingLink: a special cam creates a progressive lever feel, builds power in a controlled way, and avoids that typical on/off sensation. New is an updated SwingLink leverage ratio. It delivers the same braking power, but releases it more finely - especially in the first quarter of the lever stroke.
SRAM Motive
DOT is dead! With the switch to mineral oil as hydraulic fluid for all MTB brakes, SRAM is turning a new chapter in its company history – a move away from DOT brake fluid at the US brand seemed unthinkable just a short while ago. The SRAM Motive aims to be the lightest heavy-duty four-piston brake, succeeding the Code, and is intended for effectively slowing down everything from cross-country to trail bikes.
