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So, I’m building up a new bike for “aggressive XC” / “light trail” / “down country” / whatever it’s called these days!
I want Sram brakes, and the G2 RSC and Code R are basically the same price.
I know the Code R will be more powerful, but pretty sure the G2 RSC will probably be enough for the intended use.
Also I think I’d rather have more “subtle” brakes on a bike like this than be over powered.
So I’m leaning towards the G2… but should I just be going for the more powerful Code option? That’s what the internet seems to be suggesting…
I'd go against the internet tide, I think. I much prefer the feel of the 'S' levers like the RSC. I've had both Code Rs and G2 RSCs, and I think I'd go for the G2s given that choice. Perhaps the Codes Rs I had weren't that good, but I don't think there was much difference in power between the two, either.
Unhelpful reply: Code RSCs seem a step up from both, I'm very happy with them.
I have the Code R and I'd say they will not be overkill, they're quite powerful but not exceptionally so, and pretty well modulated.
My downcountry bike has Zees, which are even more powerful.
I would swap my Codes onto that if I CBF to do the internal routing again.
The Codes aren’t like hitting a wall of braking or anything like that. I’ve only compared to the Guide R and RS but the Codes are better than both of those. Code has a big solid lever and just a bit more stopping force on longer descents. I wouldn’t trade back to a G2 - got Code R’s on both my hardtail and full suss.
Whatever you do, go for RS/RSC/Ultimate levers with the extra cam in the levers (the extra adjustments I find mostly pointless), it makes a huge difference to the feel and the modulation of the brakes as well as improving the power somewhat.
Don’t know what bike you’re building, or how heavy you are, but I found G2 Ultimates the best modulating brake I’ve ever used! Enough power for the riding you describe too… Contemplating selling mine if you were interested in some lightly used G2 Ultimates…
Whatever you do, go for RS/RSC/Ultimate levers with the extra cam in the levers (the extra adjustments I find mostly pointless), it makes a huge difference to the feel and the modulation of the brakes as well as improving the power somewhat.
In case it wasn't clear to anyone reading, this is what I was suggesting too. The 'S' in RSC apparently stands for servo, which means the cam.
I like my Code R. They're pretty good feel-wise. Lots of power if you need it, and there's plenty of modulation available. If I could be bothered I'd buy some RSC levers for that ultimate sensation, but Code are good enough in most situations.
Thanks for the replies. Seems like the forum is split on this one! I'm still undecided... lol
Well at least everyone's happy with what they've got.
Looks like you have to decide whether you prioritise power or control? So get the G2 for posher feel or the Codes for more grunt?
I have a set of G2 RSC on a new bike, was 50/50 whether to sell them or give them a try. Decided to leave them on the bike (SRAM matchmaker is so nice) and they are OK but not spectacular. Not sure how they compare to a Code R but a believer in ‘your brakes can never be too good’ if I was buying brakes and wanted SRAM I’d probably save money somewhere else and try to get the Code RSC. Haven’t checked what the stock pads are, maybe a change would sway me back to the G2s?
Love the G2 RSC lever feel, power on stock pads was crap. Semi-metallic pads transformed them. If I was speccing an downcountry bike and had to choose lever feel vs. some unquantified amount of extra power, I'd choose them again.
mboy Free Member
best modulating brake I’ve ever used! … Contemplating selling mine
Do you sell used cars by any chance?
Do you sell used cars by any chance?
Ones I've owned... Why...?
I find the Code R feels a little like old Hayes Nines. Pretty 'wooden'. No shortage of power but I don't like the lever feel. My latest bike came with Code R brakes and the first thing I did was rebuild an old set of Guide RSC levers that I had lying around and replaced the Code levers. There's a little more lever throw presumably due to master cylinder piston size / oil flow but I prefer the lever feel due to the dog bone link.
I've got G2 RSC brakes on my hardtail and they are fine on all the Squamish trails that I ride. Not super powerful but powerful enough. If you don't need ultimate power and prefer 'subtle', it seems like a no-brainer to go with the G2 RSC to me.
@packer - where are you based - could you get a go on a bike with either of the brake sets on?
Thanks all. I went for the G2 RSC. I decided I could always up the rotor size if I ended up wanting more power.