SRAM Hydro rim caliper brakes...thoughts?

[SoCalSteve]

Hi all,

Marketing hype? Just stupid? Or, is there something to this set up?

Thanks in advance!

Steve

Oh, if there is something to this, will they work with ETap HRD shifters?

[wallymann]

arent those from like 6-7 years ago?

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by wallymann

arent those from like 6-7 years ago?

Ok, I’m from like 61 years ago, does that make me not viable? Please don’t ask my wife...

[saab2000]

I don't really get the point as rim brakes are highly effective when used with a cable, but I always liked these because they're kind of rare.

I very, very much doubt they are better brakes than standard high level rim brakes.

But they do have a cool factor, no doubt about it.

[jtbadge]

An issue you might run into is hose routing - if you can't run a full length housing natively on your frame (internal routing or otherwise) for your rear brake, you'll have trouble getting it to not look terrible.

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by jtbadge

An issue you might run into is hose routing - if you can't run a full length housing natively on your frame (internal routing or otherwise) for your rear brake, you'll have trouble getting it to not look terrible.

I did have that thought, thank you for reminding me! And yeah, unless I drilled out the brake cable stops, it wouldn’t work.

[AngryScientist]

i remember hearing about these and wondering what improvement they made over cable actuated brakes, but since then, i dont think we've seen even one build here or report of anyone using them, so that tells you something for sure.

[DuddyJ]

I've used them before and probably did close to about 1000 miles on them. Nothing to spectacular. I like the feeling of mechanical rim brakes over the hydro rim brakes. Sold them and went back to mechanical.

[R3awak3n]

paging hollowgram5. He has a bike with a set of these and he really likes them.

I bet braking is better as in, easier to press the lever and maybe more modulation.

[hollowgram5]

Originally Posted by SoCalSteve

Hi all,



Marketing hype? Just stupid? Or, is there something to this set up?



Thanks in advance!



Steve



Oh, if there is something to this, will they work with ETap HRD shifters?

Hey Steve. They work, I've got my Holland set up with them down here in San Diego. If you'd like to give it a spin, I am sure we could find a way to meet up between SD and LA.

I need to update my thread but they work and they work well.

Set up is simple, I'm happy to help walk you through how it's done. If your bike uses external cable stops, there are adapters that will allow you to rn a full length housing beside the stop and contain it. Problem Solvers and others make them and they work just fine.

[Sparshall]

I’ve never used, but was previously interested. Someone had an AC Mr Pink for sale on here not long ago with the hydro rim brakes...looks like they had a TON of tire clearance. I think that’d be one possible advantage, if you’re looking for fat tire clearance and want to make sure you still have plenty of power.

[IJWS]

My guess is that they were a strategic release from SRAM to get people used to hydraulic hoses on road bikes. Not as cool as the April fools wireless brakes, but pretty trick.

[hollowgram5]

Originally Posted by Sparshall

I’ve never used, but was previously interested. Someone had an AC Mr Pink for sale on here not long ago with the hydro rim brakes...looks like they had a TON of tire clearance. I think that’d be one possible advantage, if you’re looking for fat tire clearance and want to make sure you still have plenty of power.

The power is definitely there, and the lever doesn't know the different between the disc or rim caliper. I've descended some pretty decent hills since finishing it and it yanks down from speed with the best of any other caliper out there on the market. I'm super happy with it coming together the way it did. A re-bleed is in order, but its super easy to do and not imperative to do before riding.

I have a spare set of levers/calipers I've been considering putting on my Cielo with the same B-Dop offset pad holders to adjust the pad placement down to cover the mid-reach needs of the bike. End of the day, they are just a unique piece of bike kit and they can be a fun talking point for the uninitiated.

Dan (Clean39T) came to visit SD a few months back, and I lent the bike to him when we went for a ride while I rode the Cielo. Maybe he'll chime in with his experience...

[mcc21]

rare calipers but never caught on.
in the end its the the regular pads that coming in contact with your carbon surface. So no matter how good the 'modulation or power of the calipers' its still the rubber pads on carbon surface.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by SoCalSteve

Hi all,

Marketing hype? Just stupid? Or, is there something to this set up?

Thanks in advance!

Steve

Oh, if there is something to this, will they work with ETap HRD shifters?

I built a tri bike for a small women that had 'Magura'??, can't remember, rim hydro brakes. CUZ the brake housing routing was really goofy, kinda neat idea. BUT kinda a PITA to set up(sram probably easier??) but they were WAY too strong..Maybe strong wrong word but geez...they seemed either 'on or off'..way to much for this buck 15 women.

Not sure sram 'supports' them any more. I'm sure they aren't part of their 12s electric groups. Maybe if ya got some hydro levers but a non disc brake(?)..but seems like an answer to a not asked question..