Direct mount brake posts showed up on aero road frames as a way to tuck calipers into the frame rather than bolting them on externally. The S900 Direct Mount caliper from SRAM takes advantage of that cleaner integration while delivering the stopping power that rim brake devotees still appreciate. The caliper attaches directly to machined posts on compatible frames, eliminating the recessed nut and its associated stack height—useful when frame designers are chasing every aerodynamic advantage.

The dual-pivot design generates stopping force through mechanical advantage at both arms rather than relying on a single pivot point. That translates to more consistent modulation and power at the lever, particularly when you're scrubbing speed into technical descents or timing your braking for a pack sprint. The forged aluminum construction keeps weight competitive with carbon-equipped calipers while offering better crash resilience—aluminum dents where carbon cracks.

Pad compound matters as much as caliper design for actual stopping performance. The S900 ships with SwissStop-sourced pads that handle both dry and wet conditions reasonably well, though pad choice remains personal preference territory. The quick-release mechanism opens the caliper arms wide enough to clear most tire and rim combinations during wheel changes, which saves fumbling with barrel adjusters trailside or in transition.... Read More