With the introduction of Shimano’s latest hydraulic brake, trickle down tech is alive and well. Now offering their third hydraulic road brake system that is also dedicated to flat mount, Tiagra is the latest group to get the nod. That makes Ultegra level, 105, and Tiagra – even Sora has its own flat mount brake though in mechanical. Any bets on what the next addition will be?
All of this of course is good news for consumers looking for a road bike with disc brakes as it means more options and lower prices for future bikes…
Technically, prices haven’t yet been set for the ST-RS405 shifter and BR-RS405 brakes, but given that they are Tiagra level pricing should be reasonable. Keeping that in mind, the shifters are mechanical and will operate Tiagra’s 10 speeds with their VIVID Index System. The ergonomics look similar to that of the 105 level brakes with a protruding knob  out front but otherwise fairly low profile. Lever reach will have 10mm of adjustment and the system continues use of Shimano’s funnel bleeding technique.
Along with the flat mount rotors, Tiagra brakes will include SM-RT81-S/SS Ice Tech rotors in 140 or 160mm. The whole system should be available in July 2016.