SRAM Level T Disc Brake

The SRAM Level T's are marketed by Sram as a lightweight cross country and trail brake. Unfortunately, I can't really recommend this brake as a trail bike as they really can't handle heat that will build up on the trail. They also are only 2-piston brakes, so the power would not be as powerful as a 4-piston brake. However, I would recommend this brake to the average XC racer orenthusiast. These brakes are very light weight and affordable which isn't a bad thing.

I have been using these brakes for over a year now riding some downhill, enduro, and a few cross country races. Over this long period of time, I have never had to bleed the brakes once and never had them fail on me. Not only did I extensively use them riding almost every day, but I also rode the variable conditions. With multiple rides in 90+ F (32+ C) degree weather these brakes did not fail. They were consistent throughout different conditions which really speaks on the reliability of these brakes. These brakes also did not fail while riding in cold weather with a few rides below 32 F (0 C).

At $85 per brake, these brakes are relatively affordable for someone wanting to upgrade their mechanical or hydraulic brakes. The SRAM Level T's are identical to the original Level's only with the upgraded clamp that can be paired together with some shifters making for a cleaner and sleeker cockpit. If you bike doesn't have Matchmaker, you could always opt for the cheaper Level's which will offer the same reliability and stopping power.

With the good things said, this brake also has quite a bit negatives. First of all, it doesn't have tool-free reach adjust which makes it very annoying to adjust the reach as the levers must be removed to do so. For someone who constantly fiddles with their levers, I can't really recommend these as it is quite inconvenient to do so. Another con, would be overheating. If you ride park or longer and faster trails, you will notice the brakes fading a lot. This makes for an unpleasant and unsafe feel while riding. The last con would be the amount of power these brakes house. Being only 2-piston brakes, they don't offer much power especially paired with the SRAM brake feel which diminishes the feel even more.

In conclusion, I can't really recommend these brakes to a trail or enduro rider as the brakes aren't really designed for long steep descents. However, if you are an XC racer/rider I would give these brakes a go as they are well priced and surprisingly light weight.