{{ data.msg }}

Your browser does not support all of our website’s functionality. For an improved shopping experience, we recommend that you use the most recent versions of Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

New brake day

Congrats on your new Expert Kit (you expert, you). You're among the few riders to get this limited-edition colorway in a comprehensive tuning kit. Learn how to optimize your brake system performance for wherever you ride. Here's what you need to know before heading out. 

Kit overview | Registration | Install and bleed | Bed-in your brakes | Adjust your lever position | Pad spacers | Piston massage | Service site

Step 1: Register your brakes

Register your SRAM brakes to receive tips to personalize, tune, and maintain your brakes. Plus, you can easily store your proof of purchase upon registration. Enter each brake’s serial number below to begin.

Scan QR Code

Product Registration

Related Image

Kit overview

In addition to your new, small-batch levers and calipers, your Expert Kit contains:

  • Two sets of different rotor sizes to help you tune your useable power
  • Two mounting brackets for best fit
  • Two sets of Organic and Sintered pads for riding in different climates or styles
  • One Pro Mineral Oil bleed kit once your brakes are installed
  • One Rotor Travel bag to keep those rotors happy in transit
  • One multi-tool for adjustments on the go 

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRAKE TUNING

Related Image

Step 2: Install and bleed

Brake installation is as simple as routing, mounting, and bleeding the brakes, made especially easy with the Expert Kit containing everything you need, starting with the Pro Bleed Kit. Bleeding the brakes is an essential first step for ensuring optimal brake performance.

SERVICE MANUAL WATCH VIDEO

Related Image

Step 3: Bed in your brakes

To get the most out of your new brakes, complete the brake bed-in procedure before your first ride. Bed-in is the process of controlled slowing to gradually heat the braking surface while evenly embedding brake pad material onto the disc rotors. During proper bed-in, a thin layer of pad material gets embedded onto the rotor, allowing for consistent performance and minimal noise.

Bedding in your brakes using our specific steps is the only proven way to ensure optimal power, consistent feel, and quieter braking...And it only takes 10 minutes. It’s easy and very essential to complete this at home or in the trailhead parking lot before your brake’s maiden voyage.

Related Image

MTB brake bed-in

Related Image

E-MTB brake bed-in

Tech Tip: Every time you install new brake pads and rotors, bed-in must be repeated. Skipping bed-in will reduce your system’s power and increase the chance of brake noise. If you’re switching to a new compound, be sure to use new rotors—introducing a new pad compound to a used rotor can create noise and reduce brake performance.

Step 4: Adjust your lever position

Did you know your brake levers can slide along and around the bar to find the most comfortable position for you?  With your wrists in a neutral riding position, make sure your index finger forms a straight line with your lower arm to achieve true one-finger braking with maximum power and minimum fatigue.

Customize your levers for your hands

Brake lever fit and feel is a personal choice, and adjusting your SRAM MTB brakes to find your preferred lever position is simple. Start with Reach Adjust to get full one-finger control no matter your hand size and finger length. Turn the Reach Adjust knob counterclockwise to move the lever blade closer to the handlebar.

Your brakes have another point of adjustment as well. With Contact Point Adjust, you can pick the position you want your fingers to be in when your brakes are engaged—that moment when your pads meet the rotor. Some people like the instantaneous power of a short lever throw, while other prefer the feel of a longer throw. To adjust, follow the directional arrow on the lever to rotate the contact point inward, increasing the lever travel required for the brakes to engage the rotor.

Related Image

Step 5: Use pad spacers

Pad spacers are intentionally designed, molded plastic parts that serve multiple important purposes. They ship with most new bikes and SRAM MTB brakes. These absolutely belong in your bike toolbox, not your junk drawer. From preparing the caliper for installation, swapping your brake pads, to simply keeping your pads in place while your wheels are removed, pad spacers are a powerful tool to have handy.

Tech Tip: If you need to find pad spacers, ask your local bike shop to see if they have any spares. Pad spacers are caliper-specific, so make sure you use the right one by ordering with SRAM part numbers:

  • For Motive brakes: 11.5018.062.002

For Maven brakes, pad spacers are included when purchasing new brake pads:

  • Maven (organic pads): 00.5315.023.031
  • Maven (sintered pads): 00.5315.023.032

STEP 6: Get to know your piston massage

As your pads wear down over time, your caliper pistons may need a little extra massage to get moving properly. Don’t we all? Follow these steps to get your pistons moving happily again:

Related Image

Step 7: Check out our service site

SRAM’s Service Site is a one-stop shop for all things to install, maintain, and service your new brakes. Drop your serial number into the service search function to find videos and manuals for your brake.

SRAM SERVICE HUB

Ready to drop in?

Sign up for the SRAM MTB newsletter to stay current on new product, videos, and other trail-inspired content.

Learn more

Brake tuning

READ MORE

Brake Maintenance

READ MORE