There is no denying the fact that the Hydraulic Road recall was a major set back for SRAM. Having to issue a massive recall for such a new and exciting product is never easy, but under the direction of president Stan Day, SRAM stepped up to the challenge and now has most consumers sorted and new brakes well in production. Since the recall was first issued, the recovery process has been the number one priority with Stan leading meetings constantly to drive progress. Essentially completely redesigning a product in record time, SRAM had to pull resources from future development to get it done.
The brakes are in, and the full details are after the break…
Soon after the hydraulic road brakes came out, SRAM first received several reports of brakes with a loss of power during an extremely cold weekend of cyclocross racing across the county. As it turns out the issue involved air being ingested into the master cylinder caused by inconsistencies (a very slight ovalization) in the manufacturing of the bore, which was made worse by inabilities of seal material to accommodate for inconsistencies especially in cold temperatures.
After an intense redesign of the brakes, and a grueling three months of testing brakes 24/7, SRAM has solved the issues and is currently in full production of SRAM Red and S700. New brakes have been tested to temperature extremes from -20º to 104º C, though they high end of the temperature range was never an issue. The original Red and S700 brakes join the new Force 22, Force CX1, and new Rival 22 hydraulic options to offer hydraulic brakes at every level from Apex (S700) to Red.
At this point SRAM has fulfilled the production needs for reequipping consumer’s bikes, so all shops should have your replacements by now if you haven’t already picked them up. According to SRAM, when consumers were asked if they wanted to wait for the hydraulics or opt for mechanicals with a refund, an overwhelming 90% of consumers decided to wait for the new crop of hydraulics. Production for new bikes is ongoing with brakes shipping in a few weeks. SRAM expects full retail availability for the entire range in August, 2014 just in time for the coming cross season.
In addition to the new seals, material was removed from the outer master cylinder for improved grip, lighter weight, and an improved manufacturing process. The whole assembly got slightly smaller with a shorter shifter lever to prevent hang ups on bar. Bleeding will be easier thanks to a newly designed bleed port which is still in the same, top facing location. The brakes also feature a shortened dead band and a wider range of reach adjustment. A bigger reservoir with more fluid and improved, more flexible bladder provides better pad advance along with the lighter pad spring.
Officially, the disc brakes are optimized for road and cross with 18mm pistons front and rear. As far as rotors, SRAM is keen on using 160mm for the pavement, while 140mm are fine for riding off road. SRAM is offering five hydraulic groups with Red 22, Force 22 (same internals as red with material differences), Force CX1 (left brake lever is only difference between Force 22), the new Rival 22, and S700 – the latter is the only 10 speed option in the group. All brake lever/shifters are available in standard or moto options, and disc brakes will include the new Centerline rotors in both 6 bolt or Centerlock.
Our own set just showed up at the office, so look for actual weights and first impressions soon. In the meantime, here are the complete group details:
SRAM Red:
- Features: • Carbon levers
- Titanium hardware
- Easy bleed access
- Fully sealed system
- Rotors: 160mm pavement, 140mm off-road
- Centerline rotors (sold separately)
- Rim or disc
- Weights: HRR: 387g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose 600mm) HRD: 449g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 160mm Centerline rotor)
- MSRP: • HRR: $508/ €452/ £386 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper) HRD: $590/ €524/ £448 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper)
SRAM Force:
- DNA of SRAM RED 22
- Carbon brake levers, Aluminum shift levers
- Stainless hardware
- Fully sealed system
- Rotors: 160mm pavement, 140mm off-road
- Centerline rotors (sold separately)
- Rim or disc
- Weights: HRR: 405g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose 600mm) HRD: 471g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 160mm Centerline rotor)
- MSRP: HRR: $421/ €374/ £320 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper) HRD: $449/ €399/ £341 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper)
SRAM Force CX1:
- Carbon brake levers, Aluminum shifter
- Stainless hardware
- Centerline rotors (sold separately)
- Weights: Right-Standard: 471g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 140mm Center line rotor) Left-Standard: 431g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 140mm Center line rotor)
- MSRP: • Right-Standard: $449/ €399/ £341 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper) Left-Standard: $402/ €357/ £305 per wheel (Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper)
SRAM Rival 22:
- Aluminum levers
- Stainless hardware
- Fully sealed system
- Rotors: 160mm pavement, 140mm off-road
- Options: Centerline rotors (sold separately)
- Weights: HRR: 422g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose 600mm) HRD: 493g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 160mm Centerline rotor)
- MSRP: HRR: $334/ €297/ £254 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper) HRD: $384/ €341/ £292 per wheel (Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper)
SRAM S700:
- 10 Speed Compatible Only
- Aluminum Shift and Brake lever
- Stainless hardware
- Quick Release
- Tools-free contact pad adjust
- Tire clearance: 28c
- Firecrest rim compatibility (27.4mm)
- Centerline rotors (sold separately)
- Rim or disc
- Weights: HRR: 422g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose 600mm) HRD: 493g per wheel (Lever, Caliper, Hose and 160mm Centerline rotor)
- MSRP: HRR: $398/ €334/ £302 (Per wheel – Includes Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper) HRD: $469/ €417/ £356 (Per wheel – Includes Shift-Brake hydraulic lever, hose and caliper)
