Sometimes, you just need more power. That statement can have any number of meanings, but apply it to mountain biking and the need to slow yourself down and you get the picture. Mountain bikes continue to get faster – whether under human power or electric, which means under certain conditions more powerful braking is welcomed.
That all adds up to the new Code RSC and R brake sets. SRAM’s brakes have been through quite a bit since the Code was last on the scene, but thanks to DNA borrowed form the Guides, the Codes are back and better than ever…
On the surface, the Code lever bodies don’t look all that different from the Guides, but as they say, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Thanks to a 30% bigger fluid reservoir, the Code levers are able to push more fluid and bigger pistons for more powerful braking. SRAM puts that increase in power at 15%, which combined with larger rotors should be plenty of stopping power.
The Code RSC lever gains SRAM’s SwingLink lever pivot system with sealed bearings for smooth actuation, as well as tool free reach adjust and contact point adjustment. Benefitting from advancements to the Guides, the Codes also use an expandable bladder with Dot 5.1 fluid and their Bleeding Edge bleed process. Of course, the levers are Matchmaker and MMX compatible.
The Guide RSC calipers use a four piston design with a pair of 15mm and 16mm phenolic plastic pistons. Brake pads are still one per side with two pistons acting on each pad.
The Code Rs are very similar, though they lack the contact point adjustment at the lever. They also make use of a DirectLink lever blade without the sealed bearings of the RSC.
With the same 443g weight claimed for each brake, it’s safe to assume there isn’t much difference at the caliper end with the same 15/16mm quad piston design.
| CODE RSC | CODE R | |
| Weights | 443g | 443g |
| Technologies | SwingLink™, Expandable Bladder, Timing Port Closure, Lever Pivot Bearings, Bleeding Edge™, Heat Shield | DirectLink™, Expandable Bladder, Timing Port Closure, Bleeding Edge™, Heat Shield |
| Lever Material | Forged aluminum | Forged aluminum |
| Rotor | 1-piece CenterLine rotor | 1-piece CenterLine rotor |
| Caliper | 4-piston caliper | 4-piston caliper |
| Piston material | Phenolic plastic | Phenolic plastic |
| Key Features | Reach Adjust, Contact Point Adjustment, SwingLink™, Bleeding Edge™, MatchMaker™ X |
Reach Adjust, Bleeding Edge™, MatchMaker™ X |
| Pad | Steel-backed metal sintered | Steel-backed metal sintered |
| Fluid | DOT 5.1 | DOT 5.1 |
| Colors | Black Anodized | Diffusion Black |
Each brake ships with the one piece Centerline rotor with pricing set at $244 or $154 per brake for the RSC and R, respectively. Look for these to hit stores this May.
