SRAM Guide R vs. RS – Comparison in 2023

If you tend to go for ultra-long term tours, you should consider going for disc brakes for your mountain bike.

Disk brakes are better than V-brakes in this case, and they usually won’t wear out your wheel rims.

A disc brake rotor with disc brakes will take a longer time to wear out than a wheel rim with V-brakes.

SRAM Guide R and RS disc brakes are some of the best models out there. But how do these two-disc brakes differ?

Which one is better? Here is an SRAM Guide R vs. RS comparison review to help you decide on the right disc brake that would suit your riding condition.

SRAM Guide R vs. RS

Sram Guide R

This disc brake comes with the new S4 caliper with a bleeding-edge design. The feature is unique only to SRAM disc brakes.

With this feature, it updates the fluid and bleeds routing for easy brake maintenance.

There is also a bleed adapter plug that will seal off the system from dust and air.

Besides that, this caliper features the iconic Heat Shield technology. Here, you get stainless steel shields that buffer the connection between the caliper body and the pad.

As a result, it will cut down the heat transfer to the hydraulic fluid as it reduces the temperature by around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

It comes with an aluminum lever and tool-free lever adjustability. This Guide R brake is integrated with a Timing Port Closure as well as a sliding cup seal and port mechanism.

With these features, they will offer immediate actuation with the aluminum DirectLink lever that offers you a one-finger modulation.

Keep in mind that the Guide R Disc Brake comes in variants of rear/right or front/left along with a lever and caliper configuration.

Furthermore, this Disc Brake is compatible with SRAM’s centerline rotors, and it works with the DOT 5.1 fluid.

You can also run multiple controls off one lever clamp to achieve a streamlined set-up. However, Centerline Rotors are sold separately.

Related Guide: SRAM Guide T vs. R

SRAM Guide RS

This Guide RS brake allows you to brake later and control your speed finely. It allows you to dominate the terrain with ease.

Like the brother, this disc brake comes with a four-piston brake caliper, along with the innovative SwingLink lever technology.

It offers you a less Deadband but more positive pad engagement. The new cam system will demand less lever throw for you to push the pads towards the rotor.

As the pads get in contact with the rotor, power will be modulated to avoid the on/off brake feel.

This brake comes with a steel-backed centerline pad, ambidextrous mount, as well as DOT 5.1 organic fluid. You enjoy a tool-free reach adjustment as well. With the Reach Adjust, you can dial it with ease.

The proven 4-piston calipers offer you smooth, one-finger control. It comes with lever pivots on ball bearings for it to run smoothly and over your flawless performance on each ride.

Another unique feature of the disc brake is the reshaped bladder (Pure). This Pure Bladder helps to cut down and regulate air bubbles.

Furthermore, the new shape is designed to evacuate air from the lever.
It also pushes the fluid where it is required.

This then offers you an enhanced back-pressure relief that will deliver reliable braking consistency and power.

Suggested article: FSA Gossamer vs. Shimano 105 Crankset

Sram Guide R or Sram Guide RS Disc Brake

So, there goes the review of the two-disc brakes. Have you noticed any differences yet? If you haven’t we will help you identify them with ease.

Lever Material/Design

The two-disc brakes come with typically the same lever material. Both of them feature aluminum, but there is a slight difference.

For instance, the Guide R comes with a stamped aluminum alloy lever, while the Guide RS features a forged aluminum alloy lever.

Moreover, the Guide R brake comes with the DirectLink design lever, while the RS brake features a SwingLink design lever.

Weight/Finish

In terms of weight, both brakes come with a lightweight design, but the Guide RS is slightly heavier.

Guide R Brake Disc comes in at 392g, while RS is lighter at 384g. Both these brakes come with a black gloss finish.

Compatibility

When it comes to the compatibility aspect, the SRAM Guide R scores better. The disc brake is compatible with centerline rotors from SRAM, along with MatchMaker X compatible clamp. On the other hand, the Guide RS is only compatible with MatchMaker X.

However, both the brake discs are ambidextrous, and they both run on the DOT 5.1 fluid. You get to enjoy a tool-free reach adjustment on both disc brakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

With this SRAM Guide R vs. RS comparison, you now get the difference between the two-disc brakes.

Which one would you go for? Regardless of the disc brake you go for, you should always ensure that it suits your biking needs.