[Closed] SRAM G2... Or Code...? Anyone ridden both yet?

you could split the difference and get the Guide RE but what was wrong with the Ultimates?

Yes. I have Codes on my big bike, they are a brute of a brake. Basically like a Saint, but with actual modulation, a consistent bite point & pistons which don't leak.

My other half had a set of G2's on test, which I nabbed & they were, well basically, just like a guide really.

I 'sort' of have some in that I have some G2 Ultimate levers on a set of RE calipers. They are almost as powerful as the Codes, but obviously a lot lighter & modulation feels a touch better.

you could split the difference and get the Guide RE

Guide RE is just a Guide R with a Code caliper... Nasty horrid lever with no swing link, a bushing not a bearing, pressed lever rather than forged etc. They're powerful, but with less modulation and feel than the RS/RSC/Ultimates. It's the feel I love!

but what was wrong with the Ultimates?

In reality, nothing really, just a mate wanted them and I have been tempted to upgrade. At 12.5st I never found the Guides wanting at all, at 14st I have carried a tiny bit more speed into a couple of corners on my usual trails than I would expect to. The new G2's claim a 7% power improvement, which is about all I'm after really, but wondering if it's just worth stepping up to Codes.

Something completely different what about the new Hayes Dominion A4? Put a set on a mates bike he is loving them.

Haven't tried the new guides, but I do have the code rsc, they're excellent, really really good. The best brake I've used. Way better than the old guides.

Fair enough. Did you try different pads or a larger rotor before you sold them?

Did you try different pads or a larger rotor before you sold them?

Can't go bigger than 200 which is what I was running on the front, and I like a smaller 180 on the rear anyway.

Different pads made no noticeable difference.

Also, I'm keen to go back to ally lever blades. I definitely preferred the feel of the Guide RS' I had previously to hand than the carbon lever blade of the Ultimates.

Something completely different what about the new Hayes Dominion A4? Put a set on a mates bike he is loving them.

I was seriously tempted by these not long ago. The price I can get them at is very appealing, however... They are designed to work specifically with Hayes' own rotors which would mean shelling out a lot more on rotors (I have SRAM rotors coming out of my ears literally, I swap and change wheels between bikes a bit and makes sense they're all on the same rotors), and I'm fully bought in to the SRAM Matchmaker setup too... Also, great reports that the Dominions get, they are FUGLY!

I ‘sort’ of have some in that I have some G2 Ultimate levers on a set of RE calipers. They are almost as powerful as the Codes, but obviously a lot lighter & modulation feels a touch better.

This I like the sound of...

I have Codes on my big bike, they are a brute of a brake.

I second this. I have Guide RSC on my Jeffsy and Code RSC on my big bike, both with 200mm discs front/rear (I'm a biffer too). The codes make my eyes pop out their sockets when I pull a bit hard on them. They do have nice modulation compared to a Saint, but I wouldn't want a set on the trail bike, even though I'm a biffer.

My vote would be to get the G2s*

*Though I've never tried them this is what I'd do.

Used new Codes on a friend's enduro bike, loved them and subsequently got a bargain set to go on mine when the time comes to change.

Probably wouldn't put on my HT, but I don't think you've said what bike you're talking about.

Done a load of research on new brakes lately and on paper the hayes dominion A4 looks best to me. No experience myself though

For anyone who cares...

I finally purchased some SRAM G2 Ultimates for my bike the other day, and got them fitted before a long weekend in Wales.

So errr yeah... Exactly what the reviews say! Not groundbreaking, but a useful step forwards for the Guide family. Less outright power than the Codes, but a little more than the outgoing Guides, whilst also providing a slightly firmer lever feel (but not at the expense of the famous modulation). The new pad compound is good too, silent in all conditions, even when everyone else around me had honking brakes, mine were totally silent!

In all, if like me you like Guides anyway, you'll think the G2's are great (albeit bloody expensive at RRP!). For the SRAM haters, it probably won't win you round still but the firmer lever feel and quieter pads may at least appease you slightly.

Interesting but not surprising the g2’s are incrementally better than the older guides. Sound like a good brake and I’ve always liked guides personally.

I’ve got a Code R front / Guide RE combo on my fs bike and had Guide r on my play hardtail. Just acquired another pair of Code R so the fs will get the rear one and my hardtail will have the code r / guide re combo - imo you can never have too much braking power. I find the sram brakes modulate fine too sonim looking forward to the power increase!

Pull brake lever harder (or sooner) and you'll sort your speed.
As you get fitter, you'll get faster, so the Codes may be sensible anyway.
I had Guide RS and thought they were great, even with my 96kg to stop. Sold bike and got new with Code RSC and find them great as well.

I had a pedal around on my mate's G2s at the weekend. Having had Guide R, RS and RSCs for years I reckon I've got a good handle on how they feel.

The biggest difference was the firmness, they feel like they've got a super good bleed on them. I've got the SRAM pro kit, and the Guides would never feel that firm. They're like a brand new set of Shimanos, before they start to wander.

Just doing a retrospective search after ordering a set of G2 RSCs for the wife’s bike, seems like they’re a good choice.

I’ve got Guide Ultimates which I love, hopefully the G2s will serve her well. Only £225 for a pair from Wiggle at the moment too.

Getting a set of Magura MT trails fitted tomorrow, looking forward to trying them.

Most of my mates are on MT7, even the ebike boys reckon they're ridiculously powerful.