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With good brakes on your bike, you can be sure of better control and more confidence on the road.
The strong brakes will allow you to cruise at high speeds knowing that you have reliable brakes to bring you to a stop when need be.
In the bike braking system world, SRAM stands among the best brand that offers good quality disc brakes and levers.
Their models, the Guide R and Guide T, are some of the best disc brakes out there. In this SRAM Guide T vs.
R article, we will be exploring what each disc brake offers. In turn, you will get to know how the two brakes differ and which would be a good pick for you.
Table of Contents
SRAM Guide T
Let’s start with the SRAM Guide T hydraulic disc brake, which is supposedly the least expensive unit in the SRAM Guide family.
It is also an all-trail and all-mountain brake that offers you an incredible riding and biking experience.
The brake comes with the S4 caliper, which is common in other SRAM Guide brakes. This caliper features steel-backed organic pads that will serve you for a long time.
Along with the stamped aluminum lever blade and body, you can be sure of a durable braking system with this unit.
The lever body then attaches to the classic split clamp, making it compatible with SRAM’s Matchmaker.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the brake comes with a hose of 800mm, and the whole unit weighs in at only 280 grams. That makes it lighter than selected Guide brakes.
Keep in mind that the brake calipers on this unit also feature four pistons like other SRAM Guide brakes.
Furthermore, there is the Bleeding Edge technology on this brake, which helps to simplify hydraulic brake bleeding with the use of fluid path and adapter plugs.
The adapter plugs will seal the brake’s system from air penetration and fluid loss. Above all, the lever on this brake comes with the DirectLink technology, which offers a solid and positive feel.
In turn, it will help to enhance the performance and delivery of the lever/brakes.
PROS
CONS
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Sram Guide R
The SRAM Guide R hydraulic brake makes a good pick if you will be going for XC riding, trail, slopestyle, or generally all-mountain riding.
As an elder brother of the Guide T brakes, this one is slightly heavier and more expensive. Still, it belongs in the lightweight category as it only weighs in at 392 grams.
In terms of construction, the Guide R also comes with a stamped aluminum alloy lever. This enhances its durability as it stays lightweight.
Another unique feature of aluminum is that it is a slow heat conductor. What makes this a plus feature is that the braking unit will not heat up faster like those with steel-made levers.
Speaking of heat, the brakes come with Heat Shield Technology, which offers you stainless steel shields that will cushion the connection between the caliper body and the brake pad. This, in turn, will contain the heat transfer to the brake fluid.
The brake also features DirectLink technology. With this technology, you will enjoy a solid and positive feel of the lever anytime you squeeze them.
Thanks to this, you’ll be sure of excellent control with precision even when you are riding at top speeds.
SRAM offers you a reshaped bladder with this disc brake, which helps to regulate and even cut down air bubbles.
PROS
CONS
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SRAM Guide T vs. R
Even though both the disc brakes come from SRAM, they do vary slightly in specific areas. Let’s have a look at the comparisons between these two disc brakes.
Weight/Construction
SRAM makes both these disc brakes with stamped aluminum alloy, assuring you of durable units that would serve you for a long time.
Both of them are considered lightweight brakes, but the Guide T is lighter in weight than Guide R.
While Guide T comes only at 280 grams, Guide R comes slightly heavier at 392 grams.
Pistons
Yes, both these brakes come with calipers that feature four pistons on them. However, there is a slight difference, where the Guide R brakes offer you machined and moly-coated aluminum pistons.
But both brakes have Heat Shield technology and Bleeding Edge caliper fluid circuitry.
Rotor Sizes
Another area of difference between the two brakes is the rotor sizes. With the Guide R, you get plenty of options, including 140mm (rear), 160mm, 180mm, and 200mm in terms of the rotor sized.
On the other hand, Guide T only offers you three-rotor size options 160mm, 180mm, and 200mm.
The Guide R comes at a higher price than Guide T. They range in the price difference by around $40.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do disc brakes work?
A disc brake will be placed at the center of every wheel. To stop the bike, the brake will squeeze a disc pad against a rotor that is installed around the hub.
They tend to have better stopping power in sloppy conditions or at high speeds.
Are disc brakes heavier than rim brakes?
If you include the rotors, disc-compatible wheels, cables, brake hoses, and housing, disc brakes will usually come in heavier than rim brakes. Too often, the weight difference will be around 300 grams.
Can I race with disc brakes?
Disc brakes were authorized to be used in any event that was governed by the UCI.
As a result, these brakes can easily be used for racing.
Which is better between metallic and organic disc pads?
Metallic disc pads offer more power and tend to last longer than organic or resin disc pads.
The major advantage of organic/resin disc pads is that they come with enhanced modulation and quieter braking.
Can I use brake components of different brands?
If you were using a mechanical disc brake system, then there is an advantage of cross-compatibility.
However, hydraulic disc brakes are more restricted, and it is advised to only use components from the same manufacturer.
Conclusion
With this SRAM Guide T vs. R review, have you got the difference between the two brakes? Which of the two best suits you?
As you pick the disc brake of your choice, ensure that you know if it will match the riding condition and your style of riding as well. Above all, choose a brake that would serve you for a long time.