With current TT/triathlon bar extension brake levers, the lever itself is often plugged into the end of the bar as sort of an after thought, requiring the rider to roll bar tape around the ends to add some grip. TRP thought it could be better, and now that several major manufacturers have committed to making disc brake TT/tri bikes (like this, this, and definitely this), the time was right to do something about it.
They don’t have a formal model name yet, but the working title of “Hydraulic TT Brake” pretty well sums it up. They incorporate a fully enclosed hydraulic disc brake system into bar end levers.
The grips are more ergonomic and will have a tooled reach adjust.
New aero/tri bikes from Diamondback, Cervélo and Parlee already have disc brakes (see links above), and with through axles it makes set up and the reassembly when you arrive at the race venue super quick and easy. It also eliminates set up issues with cable actuated brakes that can be more finicky when being unbolted or partially disassembled for transport.
Available around November, will have athletes with at at Kona. Price TBD.
