Magura’s RT-TT series of brakes are the first modern hydraulic rim brakes designed specifically road bikes, TT and triathlon bikes in particular since shifters aren’t integrated into the levers…and the lever shape, for now, is designed exclusively to fit into bullhorn and aero bars.
The design is interesting, using a vertical piston to drive a wedge between rollers on opposing brake arms. As it splits them up top, the pads are pushed toward the rim. The sample captured didn’t have pads included (it was shipped to Parlee to play with, I just happened to be there when the box was opened FTW), but it’s neat to see how it works. Skid past the break for lots of pics…
The rear brake without pads/pad holders came in at 305g, which means the top level RT8TT must be significantly lighter if it’s going to come in at the claimed 495g system weight.
UPDATE #1: The RT8TT uses alloy hardware and brake arm pivot bolts where the 6 uses steel. Both use aluminum for the body of the master cylinder and brakes.
The lever slides into the end of an bullhorn style aero bars. Triathletes, just look away now – Yes, this means the system will need to be disconnected at at least one end to install it. The bolt on the top tightens the expansion wedge to keep it in place.
Reach adjust is handled through a screw in the front. The RT6TT gets an alloy lever versus the RT8TT’s carbon fiber one.
UPDATE #2: The brakes will likely initially ship without pads and holders, but they’ll start being included eventually. The system opens enough to accommodate a 28mm wide rim. They will, however, include shims. Combined with the reach adjust, they let you fine tune the space between the pads and the rims, letting you run super narrow carbon climbing wheels along with the current crop of wide aero rims.
A heavily shaped spring opens the brakes back up.
UPDATE #3: The wedge is a self-lubricating composite, and Magura’s U.S. Technical Service Mgr. Jude Monica says wear should be minimal considering the minuscule amount of movement and that it’s only pushing on roller bearings.
The quick release lever under the master cylinder pushes the lever open, which opens the brakes wider for easier wheel removal.
Whether it was born of necessity or not, we’ve gotta admit that Avid’s pro bleed kit is head and shoulders above the base models from Magura and TRP…which may not matter with these TT brakes because let’s face it, how many triathletes do you know that work on their own bikes?
Check out the original tech post on these brakes here.
