SRAM Brakes

simonjhawkes@gmail.com

Hi I'm checking in to ask a bit of a stupid question but thought I'd check with the "pros" . I have a Sram Code R brake system. I want to upgrade to the RSC lever system and what to confirm the callipers which come as with the Code R system are compatible with new RSC levers?

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Primoz
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Primoz 9/22/2023 3:46am
9/22/2023 3:46am

They are, same calipers, finished differently (painted instead of anodized).

Isn't it cheaper to buy a complete RSC set and sell of the Rs? Or have them as functioning spares...

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cmaac
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cmaac 9/22/2023 9:02am
9/22/2023 9:02am

Has anyone ridden the new Code Stealth Bronze brakes? Coming from Shimano, is DOT fluid a total disaster? 

Malky79
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Malky79 9/22/2023 10:03am
9/22/2023 10:03am
cmaac wrote:

Has anyone ridden the new Code Stealth Bronze brakes? Coming from Shimano, is DOT fluid a total disaster? 

I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic one. If you are buying the brakes (as opposed to them coming OEM), I'd probably look for a good deal on the old model Code RSC. I would also invest in a pro quality bleed kit - you can't burp them like you can with the Shimano cup tool, and a pro kit will make the job a lot easier. I don't understand the fuss people make about DOT fluid - wear gloves and wash any overspill off immediately with water or isopropyl alcohol - that's it.

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anotherbikerguy 9/22/2023 12:59pm
9/22/2023 12:59pm
cmaac wrote:

Has anyone ridden the new Code Stealth Bronze brakes? Coming from Shimano, is DOT fluid a total disaster? 

Malky79 wrote:
I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic...

I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic one. If you are buying the brakes (as opposed to them coming OEM), I'd probably look for a good deal on the old model Code RSC. I would also invest in a pro quality bleed kit - you can't burp them like you can with the Shimano cup tool, and a pro kit will make the job a lot easier. I don't understand the fuss people make about DOT fluid - wear gloves and wash any overspill off immediately with water or isopropyl alcohol - that's it.

If the Code Stealth Bronze are the equivalent of the older Code R (which I believe they are), I agree that you should look for a deal on the RSC model. SRAM's 'R' level brakes have always been underwhelming compared to the 'RS' or 'RSC' versions. Slightly different internals; noticeably different lever feel. DOT fluid is not a total disaster. You do need to wear gloves, but on the other hand, you can buy it at any auto parts store.

boschinat0r
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boschinat0r 9/22/2023 2:11pm
9/22/2023 2:11pm
cmaac wrote:

Has anyone ridden the new Code Stealth Bronze brakes? Coming from Shimano, is DOT fluid a total disaster? 

Malky79 wrote:
I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic...

I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic one. If you are buying the brakes (as opposed to them coming OEM), I'd probably look for a good deal on the old model Code RSC. I would also invest in a pro quality bleed kit - you can't burp them like you can with the Shimano cup tool, and a pro kit will make the job a lot easier. I don't understand the fuss people make about DOT fluid - wear gloves and wash any overspill off immediately with water or isopropyl alcohol - that's it.

anotherbikerguy wrote:
If the Code Stealth Bronze are the equivalent of the older Code R (which I believe they are), I agree that you should look for a...

If the Code Stealth Bronze are the equivalent of the older Code R (which I believe they are), I agree that you should look for a deal on the RSC model. SRAM's 'R' level brakes have always been underwhelming compared to the 'RS' or 'RSC' versions. Slightly different internals; noticeably different lever feel. DOT fluid is not a total disaster. You do need to wear gloves, but on the other hand, you can buy it at any auto parts store.

The Code Stealth Bronze actually includes the swinglink now, making them stealth versions of the OE only Code RS brakes that you can sometimes find for sale used. The swinglink gives it that RSC feel, but forgoes the contact adjustment wheel. 

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Primoz
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Primoz 9/23/2023 1:12am
9/23/2023 1:12am
cmaac wrote:

Has anyone ridden the new Code Stealth Bronze brakes? Coming from Shimano, is DOT fluid a total disaster? 

Malky79 wrote:
I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic...

I've not ridden any of the new Sram brakes, but there doesn't appear to be any major change from the old designs other than an aesthetic one. If you are buying the brakes (as opposed to them coming OEM), I'd probably look for a good deal on the old model Code RSC. I would also invest in a pro quality bleed kit - you can't burp them like you can with the Shimano cup tool, and a pro kit will make the job a lot easier. I don't understand the fuss people make about DOT fluid - wear gloves and wash any overspill off immediately with water or isopropyl alcohol - that's it.

I usually wrap a wet paper towel around the master cylinder for it to catch any overspill. Also, Glycol isn't as horrible as it might seem, the 'corrosive' nature of it comes from it being a paint thinner. A bit of water or isopropyl alcohol deactivates it. It's actually less harmful for the environment than mineral oil (as it's not water soluble).

As for Code Bronze, considering they have the swing link (thanks @boschinat0r&nbspWink , they are OK. Don't buy Sram brakes without the swing link (Code R for example). They are not worth the hassle.

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john_likes_bikes 9/25/2023 10:34am
9/25/2023 10:34am
Primoz wrote:
They are, same calipers, finished differently (painted instead of anodized). Isn't it cheaper to buy a complete RSC set and sell of the Rs? Or have...

They are, same calipers, finished differently (painted instead of anodized).

Isn't it cheaper to buy a complete RSC set and sell of the Rs? Or have them as functioning spares...

I can confirm this. I upgraded my levers from R's to Ultimate Stealths a few months ago and reused the R calipers. It's a significant improvement.

Internally the Ultimate Stealths are the same as RSC's, Reach, Swing-link and Contact adjustments. Only substantial difference is the Stealths have a carbon lever and the lever body is closer to the bars, which I like. It keeps all wires/hoses a little neater and closer to the bars. 

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