The Disc Brake Revolution

Mechanical Systems

Firstly there are mechanical systems which are generally reasonably priced and are cable actuated, with a single pivot that pulls the outer brake pad towards the disc rotor to press against the other pad within the caliper. They’re simple, effective and work. There’s a minor weight penalty but the modulation and stopping power is usually greater than that of traditional cantilever brakes. The possible cons are that you will likely spend time dialling in and adjusting the pads regularly and the single pivot system offers uneven clearance and wear with very little clearance from the rotor from the static pad. The trade off is better braking and lighter wheel rims without the need for a braking surface.

Tektro Lyra

Lightweight and affordable. Retail price of £44.99 per caliper weighing 148g per wheel; though rotor sold separately so you need to add another 100g per wheel for a 160mm rotor. If you read through the various user forums on the internet and the feedback on these brakes seems fairly unfavourable. Tektro Lyra

Tektro Lyra – look shiny but how do they perform?

Hayes CX5

Retail price of £54.99 sold as a single brake caliper with rotor. They are available with a 140mm or 160mm rotor, and are slightly heavier than the Tektro Lyra at 320g per wheel, which includes the weight of the rotor. They look shiny and nice but how they perform is an unknown at this stage. Hayes CX5

Hayes CX5 – a decent alternative to Avid BB7’s?

TRP Spyre

Perhaps the answer to that dialing in and constant adjustment of the single pivot caliper? This new mechanical disc brake has a dual pivot adjust system for the pads which means both pads move equally against the rotor. The retail price is £69.99 per caliper, including a choice of 140mm and 160mm rotor, and a weight of 146g a caliper plus 85g per rotor (160mm) per wheel. TRP Spyre

TRP Spyre Mechanical two piston disc brake for road levers

 
 
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