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How good are the Code RSC breaks compared to Code R?

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How good are the Code RSC breaks compared to Code R?
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flag Danisonic
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 10:39 Quote
Hey guys,

I need some help from someone who rode both Code R and Code RSC breaks (and ideally some 4-pot Shimano breaks).
In the beginning of the season I got my YT Capra which comes with SRAM Code R brakes. I did not get along with them, I am riding steep descents where most of the bikes are DH bikes. My hands fatigue really bad from pulling like crazy on the brake levers. Modulation, yes, but come on, they do not inspire trust and they feel really underpowered. Part of the problem is that I am used to the Shimano feel, I have the ZEEs on my old enduro bike.

Instead of changing them immediately, I gave them a chance the entire season (and a chance for me to get used to the Sram feel). I've put in the metallic pads (the rotors are 200mm). But at the end of the season I kinda gave up and I was ready to order some Shimano breaks.
Then I came across a post from someone who did an upgrade from Code Rs to Code RSC by upgrading the levers only, a cheaper upgrade of course than buying the whole set. He was happy with the outcome.

Did any of you know the Rs and RSCs? How different do the Code RSCs feel in terms of power? Can you get a similar feel to the Shimano on/off by playing with the bite point adjustment?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 11:13 Quote
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.
flag Danisonic
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 11:55 Quote
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 12:42 Quote
Danisonic wrote:
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile

Code Rsc levers are £90 each new, you can but a set of MT5 brakes for less than that or even some mt5 calipers and Shimano levers, it's called Shigura, check it out.
flag ajax-ripper
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 13:40 Quote
Danisonic wrote:
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile


A few things here:

1. A guide R lever does not have the swing link whereas the RS and RSC do, this results in a bit more consistent feel and a better modulation curve, the overall power isn't changed that much.

2. Enduro MTB did a brake test a few years back with a brake dyno. They found that the Zee (Should be the same as saint) produced 75.2 Nm of stopping torque, the Guide ultimate (same as RSC for all intents and purposes) produced 71.7 Nm of stopping torque this translated into a 12.0 second and 12.2 second deceleration from 45 km/h to 0 km/h respectively.

What you're noticing likely isn't a difference in power, rather a change in modulation which has you expecting a more immediate ramp up in power when its not there you subconsciously grab more brake which is causing the hand fatigue. If you know you get on well with shimano brakes it may be wise to go that way.
flag Danisonic
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 14:04 Quote
Danzzz88 wrote:
Danisonic wrote:
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile

Code Rsc levers are £90 each new, you can but a set of MT5 brakes for less than that or even some mt5 calipers and Shimano levers, it's called Shigura, check it out.

Thank you, will read about Shigura.
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 14:15 Quote
ajax-ripper wrote:
Danisonic wrote:
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile


A few things here:

1. A guide R lever does not have the swing link whereas the RS and RSC do, this results in a bit more consistent feel and a better modulation curve, the overall power isn't changed that much.

2. Enduro MTB did a brake test a few years back with a brake dyno. They found that the Zee (Should be the same as saint) produced 75.2 Nm of stopping torque, the Guide ultimate (same as RSC for all intents and purposes) produced 71.7 Nm of stopping torque this translated into a 12.0 second and 12.2 second deceleration from 45 km/h to 0 km/h respectively.

What you're noticing likely isn't a difference in power, rather a change in modulation which has you expecting a more immediate ramp up in power when its not there you subconsciously grab more brake which is causing the hand fatigue. If you know you get on well with shimano brakes it may be wise to go that way.

I'm not too sure I'm convinced by the data they gathered in that article. If you look at the graph comparing deceleration times and force, the MT7 had the second highest force but one of the longest braking times. However when you read the data table the braking time of the mt7 was the lowest apart fron Trickstuff, that just does not add up.
flag Danisonic
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 14:25 Quote
ajax-ripper wrote:
Danisonic wrote:
Danzzz88 wrote:
Apparently RSC do feel better than R but personally I think if you generally like Shimano you will always prefer the Shimano's over RSC's even. Maybe buy some SLX, XT or even some magura MT5's and change the levers to Shimano, if you like Shimano, you will like Shimano levers and Magura calipers even more.

Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile


A few things here:

1. A guide R lever does not have the swing link whereas the RS and RSC do, this results in a bit more consistent feel and a better modulation curve, the overall power isn't changed that much.

2. Enduro MTB did a brake test a few years back with a brake dyno. They found that the Zee (Should be the same as saint) produced 75.2 Nm of stopping torque, the Guide ultimate (same as RSC for all intents and purposes) produced 71.7 Nm of stopping torque this translated into a 12.0 second and 12.2 second deceleration from 45 km/h to 0 km/h respectively.

What you're noticing likely isn't a difference in power, rather a change in modulation which has you expecting a more immediate ramp up in power when its not there you subconsciously grab more brake which is causing the hand fatigue. If you know you get on well with shimano brakes it may be wise to go that way.

That’s exactly it. It’s less about power per se and more about the feel caused by the way the Codes Rs ramp up stopping power. I was hoping that I would get used to the way they feel, but I didn’t really, not fully. That’s why I was thinking that the bite point adjustment on the RSC would allow me to get a similar feel with the Shimanos if I adjusted the pads to be closer to the rotor for example and this would give me more of the ‘on off’ feeling by removing some of the slack in the lever that I have with the Rs.
flag ajax-ripper
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 14:31 Quote
Danisonic wrote:
ajax-ripper wrote:
Danisonic wrote:


Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile


A few things here:

1. A guide R lever does not have the swing link whereas the RS and RSC do, this results in a bit more consistent feel and a better modulation curve, the overall power isn't changed that much.

2. Enduro MTB did a brake test a few years back with a brake dyno. They found that the Zee (Should be the same as saint) produced 75.2 Nm of stopping torque, the Guide ultimate (same as RSC for all intents and purposes) produced 71.7 Nm of stopping torque this translated into a 12.0 second and 12.2 second deceleration from 45 km/h to 0 km/h respectively.

What you're noticing likely isn't a difference in power, rather a change in modulation which has you expecting a more immediate ramp up in power when its not there you subconsciously grab more brake which is causing the hand fatigue. If you know you get on well with shimano brakes it may be wise to go that way.

That’s exactly it. It’s less about power per se and more about the feel caused by the way the Codes Rs ramp up stopping power. I was hoping that I would get used to the way they feel, but I didn’t really, not fully. That’s why I was thinking that the bite point adjustment on the RSC would allow me to get a similar feel with the Shimanos if I adjusted the pads to be closer to the rotor for example and this would give me more of the ‘on off’ feeling by removing some of the slack in the lever that I have with the Rs.
The bite point adjustment moves where the initial bite is the lever feel after this point is identical.. IE the feel is the same you're just moving where it starts.
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 14:36 Quote
Danisonic wrote:
ajax-ripper wrote:
Danisonic wrote:


Was thinking about XT. However, I would try the RSC levers if I knew that the power would increase (it should) and the feeling of the brakes would be closer to Shimano, even if not identical. Also read lots of good reviews about MT5. I don’t mind some better modulation (and I think Shimano moved to improve the modulation on their brakes in recent years), but the Code Rs are too far from something I like in brakes. Like the confidence that you’ll stop when you brakeSmile


A few things here:

1. A guide R lever does not have the swing link whereas the RS and RSC do, this results in a bit more consistent feel and a better modulation curve, the overall power isn't changed that much.

2. Enduro MTB did a brake test a few years back with a brake dyno. They found that the Zee (Should be the same as saint) produced 75.2 Nm of stopping torque, the Guide ultimate (same as RSC for all intents and purposes) produced 71.7 Nm of stopping torque this translated into a 12.0 second and 12.2 second deceleration from 45 km/h to 0 km/h respectively.

What you're noticing likely isn't a difference in power, rather a change in modulation which has you expecting a more immediate ramp up in power when its not there you subconsciously grab more brake which is causing the hand fatigue. If you know you get on well with shimano brakes it may be wise to go that way.

That’s exactly it. It’s less about power per se and more about the feel caused by the way the Codes Rs ramp up stopping power. I was hoping that I would get used to the way they feel, but I didn’t really, not fully. That’s why I was thinking that the bite point adjustment on the RSC would allow me to get a similar feel with the Shimanos if I adjusted the pads to be closer to the rotor for example and this would give me more of the ‘on off’ feeling by removing some of the slack in the lever that I have with the Rs.

So basically you don't like the large lever throw where the brake is doing nothing? Honestly buy some Shimano levers and Magura calipers, that is what I am running and they are exactly the brake you are looking for, there is soo much power and it does come on quickly but in a controllable way not like XT m8000 where it is grabby, just very positive in feel and with huge power from the mid to end of the stroke. My brakes will lock the front wheel at 25mph on dry road easily, but you have to run the Magura rotor too, I tried some other 1.8mm rotors like are used on other brakes and they were no good. I have a Yeti with a PUSH 11/6 but the only bit about the bike that wows me everytime I go on it is the brakes, they are just incredible.
flag DHhack
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 15:07 Quote
Does it matter which Shimano levers? I’ve got the new 4 piston Deore brakes and they are definitely under powered.
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 15:15 Quote
DHhack wrote:
Does it matter which Shimano levers? I’ve got the new 4 piston Deore brakes and they are definitely under powered.

No you can use any Shimano lever you desire, in fact as long as caliper and brake lever are both mineral oil compatible and not DOT then you can run whatever combo of lever and caliper you want. I'm running servo wave XTR, zero point I just like the bling and maybe slightly smoother feel but XT or SLX would have been fine, even Deore would be fine, I don't know if they are servo wave or not. All the servo wave eill do is speed up the pad at the start of the stroke to quickly create contact, then lower the rate and increase force further in the lever travel. Some people prefer non servo wave and some prefer servowave but both work perfectly fine. You have to use a Magura hose though, which means also Magura barb ideally, then Shimano olive and nut. MT5 caliper is the same as MT7 just black and cheaper, but functionally and materials they are identical.
You have to use the Magura rotor though, other rotors just give too much free stroke and nowhere near as much power, I bought Storm HC, they are cheap and yet the best rotors I ever bought, no fancy nonsense, just stupid power and perfectly flat and true at a reasonable weight, non of that annoying rubbing, squealing and ticking noise of some other rotors. Never buy Hope rotors btw, they look good but are absolute shit.
Which series Deore levers do you have?
flag DHhack
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 at 17:24 Quote
Danzzz88 wrote:
DHhack wrote:
Does it matter which Shimano levers? I’ve got the new 4 piston Deore brakes and they are definitely under powered.

No you can use any Shimano lever you desire, in fact as long as caliper and brake lever are both mineral oil compatible and not DOT then you can run whatever combo of lever and caliper you want. I'm running servo wave XTR, zero point I just like the bling and maybe slightly smoother feel but XT or SLX would have been fine, even Deore would be fine, I don't know if they are servo wave or not. All the servo wave eill do is speed up the pad at the start of the stroke to quickly create contact, then lower the rate and increase force further in the lever travel. Some people prefer non servo wave and some prefer servowave but both work perfectly fine. You have to use a Magura hose though, which means also Magura barb ideally, then Shimano olive and nut. MT5 caliper is the same as MT7 just black and cheaper, but functionally and materials they are identical.
You have to use the Magura rotor though, other rotors just give too much free stroke and nowhere near as much power, I bought Storm HC, they are cheap and yet the best rotors I ever bought, no fancy nonsense, just stupid power and perfectly flat and true at a reasonable weight, non of that annoying rubbing, squealing and ticking noise of some other rotors. Never buy Hope rotors btw, they look good but are absolute shit.
Which series Deore levers do you have?

The newest 4 piston M6120
flag Danzzz88
Posted: Nov 30, 2020 at 2:04 Quote
[/Quote]The newest 4 piston M6120[/Quote]

So yea you can use those levers, they also are servo wave. If you need help on what parts you need to buy ect just ask.
flag DHhack
Posted: Nov 30, 2020 at 8:03 Quote
Danzzz88 wrote:
So yea you can use those levers, they also are servo wave. If you need help on what parts you need to buy ect just ask.

I copied your above post, if I need more help I’ll let you know. Thank you!
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