Worth upgrading brakes? SRAM Level to Level TL

mrsheffield

Is it worth it to upgrade from SRAM Level to the Level TL?
The number 1 reason i am considering this, is with my current set up I cannot achieve an ideal cockpit set up. What i mean is with the brake level set in the right place for 1 finger braking, my shifter is either too close or too far. Either way i have to adjust my grip to shift. I don't like this. I bought the SRAM matchmaker thinking it would all me to find that perfect position. BUT the base model Level brakes are not compatible with the matchmaker.

I ride in the mountains of North Carolina. lots of fast single track and I'm starting to get into the advanced trails in Pisgah with a lot of steep chunky descents. So I'm wondering is and upgrade to the Level TL worth $200 from what i have now? Or would the $260 Guide R brakes be THAT much better? Considering I have no complaints with the functionality of the Level brakes i have now.

P.S. I like SRAM I've had no problems. Especially having a rockshox dropper post and the ability to integrate everything with that matchmaker I plan on sticking with SRAM.

steve_sordy

Welcome to the Forum mrsheffield.

I feel your pain! I insist on having the levers just so and it pains me when I can't. Sadly I cannot advise you how much better the Sram Guide will be than the ones you are referring to. My assumption is that they will be because they are higher up the scale. Others may say different.

I have had Sram Guide RS on two different bikes and they were excellent. I had them for three years and neither set gave me a moment's complaint.

Lagrange

I've had guide R and they are ok but I'm not at your level. Needed to change the rear pistons once in two years. Not particularly sharp but maybe that is the pads. Try looking at Trickstuff brakes and pads as a real upgrade price upgrade too!!

whyamihere

I would happily pay the price to get Matchmaker support. You could possibly get away with just upgrading the brake on the side you have your shifter - The power and lever feel will be similar. However, you will likely be able to get a Matchmaker adaptor for your dropper remote (assuming you have one) for a really excellent cockpit setup. Wolftooth make some very nice dropper remotes with Matchmaker support.

Guides will be a bit more powerful than Levels, with a bit more weight and possibly a slightly higher chance of them going wrong due to having more pistons. I personally find my Levels have enough power for me, but I'm a wimpy XC type.

billycool

If your main motivation is to get the brake levers in the ride place and not compromise your riding, then do it.

Not much fun belting down a mountain not being able to brake properly or have to adjust your grip.

Get what you need to let you ride the bike how you want to ride it.

mattyfez

I have level TL and I like them but I can't see them being much of an upgrade over standard level, as the sram brake range has a lot of models with seemingly tiny upgrades from the one below.

Is it possible to just buy TL (or higher) levers on their own rather then a full brake set?

mrsheffield

Thanks guys for the input! I ended up going ahead and ordering the TL's. I'll get some minor upgrades in braking and finally be able to have my cockpit set up how i'd like it. Without spending tooo much

joebristol

If I were spending that much money more I’d get a more powerful brake. Guide R have 4 pot callipers, but for a little more you can get a Guide RE which is the same lever as a Guide R but it has a monstrous downhill brake caliper at the other end. It’s a good chunk more powerful than the Guide R it replaced but still maintains good modulation.