MTB & Gravel Drops: new Maven brakes from SRAM, Campagnolo gravel gruppos, and more

In today’s drops, new powerful stoppers from SRAM, a gravel-focused gruppo/wheel combo from Campagnolo and a carbon crankset from Hope.

SRAM Maven Brakes

SRAM is diving deeper into the mineral oil brake world with the introduction of the new line of 4-piston brakes named Maven.

They are claiming that the new brakes are the most powerful that the brand has ever produced, with 50% more power than their already powerful Code line of brakes, while requiring much less force at the lever to tap the same braking power, reducing fatigue.

The Maven line uses a much larger caliper than other brakes in the same line, and that larger caliper body allows for larger pistons than the Code: 19.5mm/18mm versus 15mm/16mm. SRAM also developed seals out of a proprietary material that is said to be more air-tight and heat tolerant.

While we often hear that heat is the killer of braking performance, SRAM is turning that model on its ear a bit. While the Mavens take a little longer to heat up and have technology to keep excess heat at bay, they are designed to stay just hot enough to optimize braking power in all conditions.

The master cylinder and lever assembly don’t change a lot visually from the Code. The new levers carry over the SRAM SwingLink pivot design as well as adjustments for pivot point placement.

SRAM claims that the new brakes add so much power that riders should be able to go down at least one rotor size from the brakes that they are riding now. In fact, their technical advise is to start with the smallest rotors that your frame and fork can handle and go up 20mm as necessary.

The Maven line will be available in Bronze, Silver and Ultimate configurations with prices ranging from $185 to $299 a side. A limited edition Ultimate Expert edition is available for $599 and includes a SRAM Red anodized caliper, a set of both organic and sintered pads, (1) 220mm rotor, (2) 200mm rotors, (1) 180mm rotor, bar clamps and caliper brackets, a rotor travel bag, and a Pro mineral oil bleed kit.

Campagnolo Releases Gravel-Focused Groupset and Wheelset

From the adaptability of a single bike that rides as effortlessly on asphalt as it does on gravel roads and singletrack to the most adventurous bike-packing expeditions. The new Ekar GT groupset, paired with Zonda GT wheels, embodies the vision of Campagnolo, with GT (Gran Turismo) encouraging cyclists of all disciplines to embrace “don’t hold back” as their motto.

Ekar GT Groupset

Ekar GT is designed to be incredibly versatile, offering a wide-range 1×13 drivetrain with the combination of four cassette options (9-36, 9-42, 10-44,10-48) and five chainrings (44, 42, 40, 38, and the new 36). This extensive range of options enables every cyclist to select the gear ratio that suits their specific adventure and is Campagnolo’s widest gear range.

The new aluminum crankset ensures optimal power transfer through Ultra-TorqueTM and ProTechTM technologies. Additionally, the convenience of changing the chainring without dismantling the crankset enhances the overall user experience. The entire drivetrain is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with simple adjustments and the inclusion of a clutch to keep chain chatter to a minimum. The new derailleur cage works for the entire range of cassette options, a first for wide gravel gearing. Drawing from the Ekar experience, the Ekar GT groupset features a larger pulley to prevent mud build-up and simplify cleaning. The redesigned lever controls ensure all-day comfort, with a lever reach adjustment accommodating hands of all sizes. The materials are chosen for strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. Weighing just 2,700 grams, the new Campagnolo Ekar GT groupset stands out amongst the crowd with its new graphics featuring the Winged Wheel and the Ekar GT logo in subtle tone-on-tone colors.

Details: 

• Crankset: 170, 172.5, 175 Lengths, with 151mm Q-Factor
  ​- 104mm BCD, 44, 42, 40, 38, and 36 Chainring options
• Cassette Options: 9-36*, 9-42, 10-44, 10-48
• New Improved Hood Ergonomics
• Groupset Weight: 2,700g
• Groupset MSRP: $1,599

Zonda GT Wheels

The new Zonda GT wheels bring gravel and road together as a highly versatile product that seamlessly integrates with Ekar GT. The distinctive G3 spoke pattern sets this wheel apart from the masses. The 8×3 G3 lacing geometry revolutionizes traditional wheel spoke setups. The Zonda GT Wheels feature groups of three parallel straight-head spokes in a 2:1 ratio. This design enhances tension, balance increases stiffness, and amps up power transfer.

 

This unique layout also improves load bearing and shaves weight. Available only in a disc-brake version, with a weight of 1,690 grams. A 23-millimeter internal bed, N3W freewheel body, and 29-millimeter profile height complete the wheel’s road and gravel-ready construction.

Details:

• Weight: 1690gr
• 23mm internal rim width
• 29mm deep rim profile
• Available with N3W, HG, and XDR Freehub Bodies
• Cup and Cone Bearing Internals
• MSRP: $749

New Carbon Crank from Hope

Barnoldswick, UK manufacturer Hope has been making cranksets for nine years, and their cranks are well known for their performance, durability, and style. Now, they’ve released a new carbon version.

Designed for trail/all-mountain use, the crankset has a claimed weight of 422g without a chainring or 487g with a 32t chainring. That’s around 140 g lighter than their alloy crank. The weight compares quite favorable to the 483 gram RaceFace Era crankset, but the Hope adds about a $200 premium over RaceFace model.

They’re made from T700 fibres, which Hope say optimises the strength-to-weight ratio, and they’re made with a “unique carbon construction method”, though details are scarce for obvious reasons. The 7075 aluminium pedal thread inserts are replaceable if they become damaged and the hardware is available in black, blue, red, silver, purple and orange.

The carbon crankset will be available in 155, 165 & 170mm lengths at a price of £550 / €690 / $695.