The Disc Brake Revolution

Mechanical/Hydraulic Systems

Perhaps offering a tempting middle ground of best of both worlds with simple and versatile cables in, operating powerful hydraulics out, but more often than not requiring extra, weighty plumbing. Recent launches of hydraulic brake/shifter levers from the big groupset manufacturers may mean that these combination systems an evolutionary dead-end. However, there’s definitely a few years before hydraulic shifters hit the mainstream so their time is far from up.

Hope Tech V-Twin

I recently watched a YouTube video of the Hope Tech V-Twin system being installed. It’s not rocket science and I doubt you need a degree in engineering but it looks like a faff, and if you’re anything like me a faff is to be avoided at all costs, even though the chap on the video demonstrating the system sounds like a top bloke. However, I know it would all be worth it, as a disc brake solution that makes use of your current levers, it’s the next best thing to a fully hydraulic system. The full cable to hydraulic converter and caliper set can be purchased for £260, with an additional £34 each for the optional 160mm or 140mm rotors; this is not a cheap option. With all fixtures and fittings the system weighs 448g plus 91g per rotor. If you can’t be bothered with the faff of self-fitting then get a shop to do it, though this comes with additional cost obviously. Hope Tech V-Twin

Hope V-Twin Brakes

Trickstuff Doppelmoppel

A brand new to me, though as a company they have been around doing their thing from Freiburg in Germany since 2003. Better known in MTB circles, Trickstuff brought the Doppelmoppel mechanical-hydraulic converter system for drop bar levers to the market in 2012. For the bargain price of €710.00 (approximately £600) which includes the converter, calipers, hoses and rotors – available to buy direct www.trickstuff.de.

Trickstuff Doppelmoppel

Trickstuff Doppelmoppel fitted below the stem