Best Brake Pads for SRAM Brakes (2026)

You just picked up a new SRAM Maven, and the stock pads are already fading after a few weeks of hard riding. Or maybe you're on a trusty Code RSC and want something that bites harder in the wet. Either way, you need to know what fits.

SRAM keeps it simpler than you'd think: there are really only 3 pad shapes across their entire lineup. Once you know which group your brake falls into, picking pads takes about 30 seconds.

Do SRAM Maven and Code use the same brake pads?

Yes. This is the number one question we get at Loam Goat about SRAM pads, and the answer is straightforward.

SRAM Maven (Ultimate, Silver, and Bronze) and SRAM Code (RSC, R, and Stealth) use different pad shapes and are not interchangeable. Maven introduced a completely new pad design when it launched in 2023. Before ordering, confirm which brake you have, the model name is stamped on the caliper body.

If you're upgrading from Code to Maven, you'll need new pads.

Best compound for SRAM Code and Maven

Code and Maven are gravity and enduro brakes. They're built for aggressive riding, steep terrain, and riders who need stopping power they can count on. You should pair them with pads that match that intent.

Sintered, The go-to for bike park laps, enduro racing, and anyone riding in consistently wet conditions. Sintered pads handle heat better and last significantly longer in the mud. If you're shuttling or doing back-to-back descents, sintered is the safe bet.

Gravity compound, What we recommend at Loam Goat for most Code and Maven riders. It gives you sintered-level wet weather performance with better modulation than a pure metallic pad. Less grabby at low speeds, more predictable in the rough stuff. We developed it specifically for riders who want one pad that works everywhere.

Organic, Honestly, we don't recommend organic for Code or Maven unless you're exclusively riding dry XC terrain. And if that's the case, you probably don't need a 4-piston brake. For sustained wet conditions or bike park laps, step up to Gravity or sintered, but Trail is a legitimate choice for dry conditions, technical terrain, and lighter riders.

For 90% of Code and Maven riders, Gravity compound is the answer.

SRAM Guide vs G2 pad compatibility

Here's the second group. SRAM Guide (RE, RS, R), G2 (RSC, RS, R), Level, Level T, and even the older Avid Elixir Trail all share the same pad shape. It's a medium-sized pad for 2-piston calipers.

That's a lot of brakes on one pad shape, and it's great news for riders. If you switch from a Guide R to a G2 RSC, your spare pads still work.

For compound selection on these brakes, it depends on your riding:

• Trail riding in mixed conditions, Gravity compound. Best all-rounder we make.
• Wet weather, steep terrain, Sintered. More bite, longer life in the mud.
• Dry XC and light trail, Organic works well here. Quiet, good modulation, and these brakes don't generate the same heat as a 4-piston setup.

We've found that Loam Goat's Gravity compound is the sweet spot for most Guide and G2 riders. It handles the occasional rainy ride without sacrificing dry-weather feel.

SRAM road brake pad options

SRAM's road disc brakes (Red eTap AXS, Rival AXS, Force AXS, Apex AXS) use a completely different, smaller pad shape. Mountain and road pads are not interchangeable. Don't mix them up.

For road riding, organic compound is the standard choice. It's quiet, has good modulation, and road brakes don't face the same heat challenges as mountain brakes. Sintered is available for road pads if you ride in consistently wet conditions or do a lot of steep descending on road, but most road riders are fine with organic.

If you're running SRAM road brakes on a gravel bike and seeing real off-road conditions, sintered might be worth it. BC gravel roads in November are a different animal than dry summer pavement.

Our SRAM brake pad recommendations

• SRAM Code / Maven (4-piston), Loam Goat Gravity compound. Built for these brakes. Handles heat, bites in the wet, lasts.
• SRAM Guide / G2 / Level (2-piston), Loam Goat Gravity compound for trail riding. Sintered if you're in the Pacific Northwest and ride year-round.
• SRAM road disc, Organic road pads for most riders. Sintered for wet-weather commuters and gravel.

Check out our full SRAM brake pad collection to find your match.

FAQ

Do SRAM Maven pads fit SRAM Code brakes?

No. Maven and Code use different pad shapes and are not interchangeable. If you're upgrading from Code to Maven, you'll need a new set of pads. Check the model name on your caliper before ordering.

What pads fit SRAM Guide and G2 brakes?

Guide RE, RS, R, G2 RSC, RS, R, and Avid Elixir Trail all use the same pad shape. Level and Level T also use this shape.

Are SRAM road and mountain brake pads the same?

No. SRAM road calipers (Red, Rival, Force, Apex) use a smaller pad than mountain brakes. Don't mix them up.

Which compound for SRAM Code on an enduro bike?

Gravity or sintered. Code brakes are built for aggressive riding and pair best with pads that can handle heat and wet conditions. We'd lean Gravity compound for most enduro riders at Loam Goat.

Not sure which SRAM pad shape you need? Send us a quick message with your brake model and we'll confirm.