TRP’s highlight was certainly the Parabox cable-to-hydraulic disc brake converter that’s been popping up on bikes like the Felt prototype disc brake carbon cyclocross bike, and we’ve got plenty of specs and pics on it after the break.
But they also had these new singlespeed brake levers with push-button cable release, some new shorter Mini V-brakes for SRAM levers and a sneak peek at a forthcoming mag road brake for Shimano’s 7900 levers. It’s all pretty sweet looking…
Called the RRL SL (an homage to older Super Record bits), the levers are available in three versions: carbon UD blade w/ black hood ($109), drilled out alloy w/ retro brown hood ($100) and a standard black ano blade w/ black hood ($59).
They have a spring loaded quick release to open up brakes for muddy sections, good for mini V-brakes on cyclocross bikes. Shown on left with button pushed in and brake lever popped out, simply pull them back when it’s time to descend and they’ll snap back to their regular position near the rim and function normally.
When the button’s pushed, the lever pops forward and the brakes open up (left). Pull it and it goes back to normal (right).
When Shimano redesigned their 7900 levers’ cable pull ratio, it required a bigger caliper to accommodate it. The forthcoming TRP R979EQ has a cam quick release and is being raced by the Geox team, but will be available to you by Interbike. About 120g/wheel. Retail should be about $660/pair. Little heavier than their standard magnesium brakes because they’re a bit bigger.
TRP says the 2010/11 ‘cross season was first season they sold more of their Mini V-Brakes than canti’s. This new 84mm size is designed to work better with SRAM levers and will be available this summer, $129/set F+R. In case you’re wondering, 102mm is MTB and 90mm is standard cyclocross size, with the number referring to the arm length. Of course, you can mix and match…the new Felt FX2 had the 84 on the rear, 90 on the front.
The TRP Parabox is a mechanical to hydraulic converter, and it’s likely to be a common site over the next couple years as the big manufacturers come around to developing a brake/shift hydraulic lever. In our opinion, it could be more than a two year stop-gap as many people may simply upgrade to a disc-ready ‘cross or road frame and transfer their existing parts…making this a cheaper way to move to discs on their skinny-tire bikes.
Will come as a complete system fully bled with calipers and rotors. Works with SRAM, Campy and Shimano and will have 140 and 160 rotor options. Claimed weight is 450g for the system for both wheels. It uses a similar rotor as their mountain bike rotors, and they’re just starting to offer the 140 size. The caliper is the same size/style the ones they’ve done for their city bike brakesets.
Available in July, retail isn’t set but will be under $500. Needs 20mm space on the steerer tube.
