When it comes to braking power and control, we believe in freedom—options. We believe that there should be an absolute best solution for every type of rider and every kind of ride; that there really isn’t a One-Size-Fits-Most when it comes to brakes. That’s the concept that led us to the development of Level, a new brake designed for the needs of modern cross-country and trail riders.
Level puts the same proven SRAM brake technology used on the 2015 Downhill World Championship-winning bike into a smaller, lighter-weight package. Braking power and modulation are optimized by matching our DirectLink™ lever design with authoritative 2-piston calipers. Reach adjusters are hidden from outside elements, giving the entire package a clean, confident look. And with five options to choose from, Level makes it easy to find the perfect setup.
Proven SRAM technology, entirely new options: Level.
ALL NEW 2-PISTON LINEUP
- SRAM Level Ultimate
Replacing—SRAM XX - SRAM Level TLM
Replacing—SRAM X0 - SRAM Level TL
Replacing—SRAM DB5 - SRAM Level T
Replacing—Avid DB3 - SRAM Level
Replacing—Avid DB1
LEVER DESIGN
- New lever design—based on Guide, but more compact and lighter
- Same Timing Port Closure mechanism—solid and predictable braking
- Same seals—stable and durable
- Same Expandable Bladder reservoir—dependable and consistent braking power in all conditions
- DirectLink™—solid, positive feel and engagement
- New detent design for the tooled reach adjust—same pistons, seals, reservoir, bladder
- Smaller lever body with DirectLink™
- New detent design for the tooled reach adjust
CALIPER DESIGN
Incorporates technologies developed on Guide Ultimate’s S4 caliper
- Heat Shield: stainless steel shield reduces heat transfer from the rotor and pads to the caliper’s body
- Consistency, control and feel: optimized gland geometry, seals and piston rollback
- Bleeding Edge: the easiest and cleanest way to bleed your brakes
Two 21mm pistons
Monoblock construction
Level Ultimate
Level Best
The carbon-fiber level blade pulls crisp and clean, thanks to pivot bearings and our DirectLink™ design. And it maintains that feel throughout the ride because it is matched to our monoblock, two-piston caliper. This caliper’s superior heat management and smooth piston actuation give you braking power exactly when and how you need it. And the BLEEDING EDGE™ design significantly simplifies fluid maintenance.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Same proven lever technologies as Guide – piston, seals, reservoir and bladder
- Compact lever body with DirectLink™
- New detent design for reach adjust
- New, 21-millimeter, 2-piston monoblock caliper for superior heat management, consistency, control and feel
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Carbon lever and blade
- Lever pivot bearings
- Ti hardware
- Alloy backed pads
- BLEEDING EDGE™
- MatchMaker™ X
WEIGHT 318g (direct mount, 800mm hose, 160mm CLX rotor, Ti hardware)
Level TLM
Championship Contender
It has a championship-winning pedigree, and is ready to take all of the punishment you want to give it. Level TLM puts proven SRAM braking performance and consistency at your fingertips, in a sleek, lightweight design optimized specifically for cross-country and light trail use. Power and modulation are delivered via the Level TLM’s alloy lever blade, DirectLink™ actuation, DOT 5.1 fluid and our new two-piston, monoblock caliper. The design provides superior heat management for consistent, fade-free performance all day long, and BLEEDING EDGE™ technology makes maintenance incredibly simple, so your brakes feel great all day — every day.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Same proven lever technologies as Guide—piston, seals, reservoir and bladder
- Compact lever body with DirectLink™
- New detent design for reach adjust
- New, 21-millimeter, 2-piston monoblock caliper for superior heat management, consistency, control and feel.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Alloy lever blade
- Lever pivot bushings
- Stainless hardware
- BLEEDING EDGE™
- MatchMaker™ X
WEIGHT 356g (direct mount, 800mm hose, 160mm CL rotor)
Level TL
Lightweight Heavyweight
Heavyweight performance in a lightweight package. Level TL packs the same XC and trail-optimized power delivery into a brake set that won’t break the bank. This brake matches an alloy DirectLink™ lever to a lever body that contains the same technology found in the Level TLM, Level Ultimate and Guide series of brakes, for reliability and consistency you can count on.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Same proven lever technologies as Guide—piston, seals, reservoir and bladder
- Compact lever body with DirectLink™
- Same power as Level Ultimate and Level TLM
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- MatchMaker™ X
- Tooled reach adjust
WEIGHT
370g (direct mount, 800mm hose, 160mm CL rotor)
Level T
Trail Tamer
Level T capitalizes on the same trail-taming brake technology that conquered the 2015 World Mountain Bike Championships, to deliver a powerful and consistent XC and trail-optimized brake set that keeps your capital in the bank. This budget-minded, MatchMaker™ compatible brake set provides all the power of its siblings, keeping you in complete control.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Same proven lever technologies as Guide—piston, seals, reservoir and bladder
- Compact lever body with DirectLink™
- Same power as Level Ultimate, Level TLM and Level TL
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- MatchMaker™
- Two-bolt clamp
WEIGHT
410g (direct mount, 800mm hose, 160mm CL rotor)
Level
New Rules
The SRAM Level brake levels the playing field with power and reliability stuffed into a lightweight package. This is a no-nonsense performer, but don’t let its understated disposition fool you — Level gives you the art of braking in minimalist form.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Same proven lever technologies as Guide—piston, seals, reservoir and bladder
- Compact lever body with DirectLink™
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Distinct contact point
- Pinch clamp
WEIGHT 430g (direct mount, 800mm hose, 160mm G2 rotor)
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