SRAM is introducing HydroHC hydraulic brakes to its Red eTap electronic groupset for the first time, so you can have wireless shifting and hydraulic disc braking on the same bike for the first time.
When SRAM launched Red eTap last year, it was available only with cable operated rim brakes. The introduction of HydroHC allows you to have wireless electronic shifting and hydraulic braking via the same levers. [Just for clarity, the shifting is electronic and wireless, the two shifters and two derailleurs each being battery operated and communicating via SRAM’s own protocol; hydraulic brake hoses connect the levers to the callipers].
Read our SRAM Red eTap review here.
This is an obvious next step for SRAM. When we asked at the Red eTap launch last August whether a wireless shifting/hydraulic disc brake option would soon be available, we were told, “We’re fully behind disc brakes on the road so we’d be mad not to be thinking about a disc brake version of eTap.”
That was pretty much a ‘yes’, then.
“SRAM HydroHC builds on the successes of our HydroR and Level brakesets,” says SRAM. “Regardless of hand size or brake setup preferences, HydroHC levers are custom tunable for a perfect fit and confidence-inspiring control.
“The platform offers SRAM’s renowned Reach Adjust and new, independent Contact Point Adjustment, allowing complete customisation of your braking [you can set where the levers engage]. This adjustability is paired with the most ergonomic hoods available to deliver class-leading comfort, fit, and braking performance. All in the name of true advancement.”
The HydroHC braking is available in both flat mount and post mount calliper options.
How much? We’re not sure yet. SRAM will release complete details, including prices, at Eurobike (31 August – 4 September). The product will be available to buy from October 2016.
9 thoughts on “SRAM adds hydraulic braking to eTap electronic groupset”
Cue lots of confused people
Cue lots of confused people claiming that wireless hydraulic braking is a bad thing, not understanding that the levers and calipers will still be very much connected by hydraulic fluid.
Peowpeowpeowlasers wrote:
Do you think? I’d better clarify that in the story then.
Now I can get rid of Shimano
Now I can get rid of Shimano Di2 on my Cannondale and spend another couple of grand on another groupset! I do have eTap on another bike and I do like the shift logic alot.
I had a wet dream last night
I had a wet dream last night and this was it. I reckon this’ll turn the road groupset market over like 1×11 has in the mtb market…..irrespective of whether those pro roadies want it or not. Besides this’ll likely work with the hydro rim calipers Sram has already.
I remember a while back
I remember a while back someone was developing a wireless brake for MTBs so it might not be so far fetched that we end up with a completely wireless brake & gear system one day – although it would take a lot to persuade me to risk it, you would certainly need to keep on top of the charging…
So I wonder how long before
So I wonder how long before they offer a road-specific ‘one-by’ (1×11), hydraulic braked, eTap system?! I would be up for that! Particularly with a frame specifically designed with this system in mind – could be a really ‘clean’ build. I like the look of the above flat mount callipers too.
I wonder if any teams will be using eTap systems in the TDF this year? The first eTap-du-tour you could say?! Getting my coat now….
The definition of ‘now’ seems
The definition of ‘now’ seems to be today + 4 months.
I’m trying to decide if I hold off and wait for this or continue with a 1x build :-s
etap 1×11 hydro ….. tissues
etap 1×11 hydro ….. tissues please … 😉
Want, just need to find a
Want, just need to find a buyer for my kidney etc.