![\"SRAM](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/SRAM-Red-hydraulic-disc-brake.jpg\" "\\"SRAM")
<\/a>Some information has been released from SRAM about the chatter their latest leak has generated. \u00a0A lot of forums have been abuzz with the new offerings and what this will mean to road and cyclocross, frame design and future compatibility. \u00a0The following quotes have been taken from Velonews.com who ran the article<\/a>, and my take on them follows:<\/p>\nOn the lever shape, which some have commented is “tall and blocky:”<\/p>\n
“SRAM road product manager Bill Keith insists that the hydraulic lever shown in these images is not final, but given the mid-summer release timeframe we can assume it is quite close.”<\/p>\n
It looks like a pretty final design to me. \u00a0In all reality, I don't see much other way they can get away with stuffing the master cylinder into the lever body, considering the DoubleTap mechanism can't really be disturbed within the body of the shifter as it is. \u00a0Either way, it appears to be a much more blocky version of the svelte Campagnolo 11 speed levers we've come to know and love.<\/p>\n
On lever weight:<\/p>\n
“SRAM\u2019s Charles Becker claimed that the new lever would remain at a competitive weight during the presentation last week. \u201cIt\u2019ll be a bit heavier, but not as much as you think,\u201d he said. We have no further information on weights at this time.”<\/p>\n
Mountain bike disc brakes are approaching epically light territory, and I would expect these would be no exception. \u00a0However, while they are likely to be light, swapping cables and housing for hydraulic fluid and line, as well as increasing the amount of weight in the shifter body, adding a rotor, heavier hubs and hardware will likely add several hundred grams in reality.<\/p>\n
“‘This isn\u2019t just a mountain brake stuck on a road bike,' insisted Becker. \u201cIt\u2019s designed specifically around 700c use.\u201d It doesn\u2019t even carry the Avid brand name, but rather fits the style and graphics of the new Red group.”<\/p>\n
“From that we can infer that the whole system will be slightly less powerful than SRAM\u2019s top mountain brakes, with a greater focus on improved modulation. Such a change becomes vital with a road disc system due to drastically decreased tire contact patch and subsequent ease of overpowering the tire and locking up a wheel.”<\/p>\n
When it comes down to it, most mountain bikes with larger tires (as is chic these days) are pretty close to “700c” diameter anyway. \u00a0I don't see there being much difference.<\/p>\n
More important is the second point since the tire contact patch is far smaller. \u00a0In all honesty, how many of you CAN'T lock up your brakes right now? \u00a0If you look at the current braking system, the longest lever arm for braking is at the edge of the rim: current brakes are basically huge discs with mechanical calipers. \u00a0What's severely lacking is braking power in the wet, particularly with carbon rims; right now I don't see carbon rim development to be at its terminus, so I would expect braking surface improvements to solve these issues in the future.<\/p>\n
“As of now, the caliper will use a regular post mount, but Becker hinted that SRAM is working with frame manufacturers to develop a road-specific mount. Don\u2019t wait for it though \u2014\u00a0any changes on that front are at least a year or two away.”<\/p>\n
Ahhh, joy. \u00a0Yet ANOTHER standard for the consumer to “swallow.” \u00a0It's bad enough we have about 8 different bottom bracket standards and half a dozen headset variations, but now we'll have a “road specific disc mount” standard? \u00a0Sounds like a great marketing ploy. \u00a0Post mount has worked on mountain bikes for years….why wouldn't it work on the road?<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tailwind-coaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/SRAM-Red-hydraulic-rim-brake-300x223.jpg\" "\\"SRAM")
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