SRAM Level TLM Disc Brake

SRAM Level TLM Disc Brake Info

When SRAM gets to the Level TLM Disc Brake, they’re providing their best disc brake tech, just in a simpler, more cost-efficient package than the Ultimate. High performing minus the bling.

Level is a new offering from SRAM, taking what they learned from the Guide brake line and applying it to a product aimed at cross-country and trail riding. Simpler design, lighter weight.

Starting at the caliper, the caliper itself is a single piece, which is stronger and lighter than two-piece designs. They show off the work by anodizing the caliper a pretty Dark Grey. Inside the caliper, there are two 21mm diameter pistons pushing steel-backed brake pads. Beyond the pads is a stainless steel shield. The stainless steel acts as a heat shield, making it much harder for the friction-generated heat from braking to get to the cylinders, which, in turn, makes it harder for the fluid to head up. Hot fluid expands, and can close your brakes when you don’t want them to, which no one wants.

On the other end of the brake is the lever. Here, you’ll find the MatchMaker clamp, which allows you to mount trigger shifters, seat post, shock, and fork levers on a single clamp, cleaning up the bar and making more room. The lever itself is forged aluminum, adjustable via a small bolt on the inside. It has new design engaging the master cylinder called DirectLink, which starts to engage the caliper the moment it is activated. That master cylinder relies on technology found in Guide brakes. They share a timing port closure system (cup seals), as well as the PiggyBack Reservoir, which is small, and light, and direct, and even makes the levers ambidextrous, and the Expandable Bladder, which reduces air bubbles in the system.

As always, the hoses come pre-bled and ready for easy installation. The TLM brakes have a feature called Bleeding Edge, which is a simpler fluid port on the caliper that makes bleeding easier as well as air contamination and fluid loss less likely. Standard pads are steel-backed organic, and replacement is from the top, which makes things simpler and faster. DOT 5.1 fluid comes standard and must be used. Rotors come separately. Level brakes work with rotors as small as 140mm in diameter, as large as 200mm in diameter. For best performance, SRAM recommends their CenterLine rotors. Weight for a single wheel is 356g:  direct-mount of caliper, 800mm of hose, and 160mm CenterLine rotor.

SRAM’s Level TLM Disc Brake adds lots of smart performance to incredible stopping power.