Launched earlier this spring, the Guide is brand new to SRAM’s product line. A rebuild from the current X.0 Trail, the Guide aims for a slightly lower price point but boast many improvements over the previous design.
“Thanks to clever technologies the new SRAM Guide brakes offer some good advantages over previous models. The great over-all feel, increased reliability and control are the highlights of the new lever and rotor design meeting the needs of todays trail riders and enduro racers that are looking for a strong brake.” – Enduro Mag
The Guides are available in three models, the R, RS, and RSC, and five rotor sizes ranging from 40-200mm. The R model weighs 375 grams and includes reach adjust technology; RS model tips the scales at 380 grams and includes Reach Adjust and SwingLink for less deadband. Top-level RSC weighs 375g and includes Reach and SwingLink, plus Contact Point Adjustment, to customize the exact lever position where your brakes engage. Guides will be available at retail in Canada in early August.
Read on for Enduro Magazine’s in depth test of the Guide, and its features.
From Enduro Mag:
So why the name Guide? What’s the intention behind this new brake? In this case the key is in the name! The new SRAM Guide shall serve as a reliable guide and component on any kind of adventure, offering better control, handling and consistency.
To achieve these characteristics, the brake utilizes some intelligent engineering, named the SwingLink. Thanks to a special cam shape that requires less lever throw to push the pads toward the rotor, the SwingLink provides increased control while minimizing deadband, improving modulation of the power.
While the Guide RSC and RS feature the Swinglink, the Guide R comes with Directlink, a traditional lever design (like the Avid X.0 trail brakes) with a more aggressive feel and less modulation. So it’s great for those who want to stick to the feel of a current Avid X.0 trail (although there is perhaps no real reason to) but want to have the benefits of improved reliability of the new Guide brakes…
Keep reading at enduro-mtb.com, and learn more about the Guides on SRAM.com