TRP’s HYRD calipers, which are their mechanical-to-hydraulic brakes that work with any standard drop bar lever, received a rather quiet update at the beginning of the year.
All of the changes were aimed at improving long term performance and keep users from fiddling with the parts that could cause failure. Inside, they swapped the gasket’s material the reservoir so it is more pliable. This reduces the likelihood of the system creating a vacuum since it won’t pull as hard against the fluid when levels decline slightly as pads wear. In other words, it lets the system more easily compensate for pad wear.
They increased reservoir volume to hold more oil, which should help with heat buildup. A steel ring was added around the pistons to help them slide in and out easier. Before, it was solid Bakelite, which does a great job of insulating against heat, but wasn’t as smooth, so now it’s just used in the center of the piston.
When we reviewed the original HYRD brakes, one of the tweaks we made to improve pad contact speed and power was to dial in the piston rod. Unfortunately, TRP frowns upon this and for good reason: It can cause the system to remain closed or open depending on which way you turn the bolt. Either way, it could mean brakes that don’t work.
To prevent riders from messing with it, they added a fixing bolt that threads into a notch on the piston rod to it can’t be moved from its factory setting.
These new versions started shipping in January, actually, so if you’ve purchased your brakes this year or if it was spec’d on your bike since then, you’ll have the new versions. Visually, the new version says “mineral oil” on the outward facing side, just above the TRP logo.
Retail is $149.99 per wheel with either 140mm or 160mm rotor, available in black or silver.
The urban camo edition of the Spyke brakes, which are the mountain bike version of the Spyre dual-pull mechanical calipers that include a mud/dust cover, are a new color that should start shipping by end of year. Black versions are in stock now. Retail is $99 per wheel, including 160mm or 180mm rotor. A 140mm or 203mm rotor is available separately.
Matching Levers are also available separately. They’re all alloy construction, weight is 156g per pair.
The Hylex singlespeed hydraulic drop bar disc brakeset, which was introduced last year at Interbike, started shipping in early March of this year and are selling as fast as they can bring them in. So, if you want a set, get an order in now.
