TRP HyRd: The Double Lottie

Disc brakes can be found on more and more cyclocross bikes and the number of so-called comfort bikes that are equipped in this way is also increasing. But unlike in the MTB sector, where the non-plus-ultra is now fully hydraulic, cable brakes are still used in cyclocross and racing bikes. There is a simple reason for this: most of the brake shift levers available on the market work with standard Bowden cables.

Solutions, like Srams hydraulic Red 22 respectively Force 22, whose DoubleTap levers are connected to a cable, or Shimano's new ones BR-R785, which controls the derailleur and rear derailleur electronically, are relatively expensive. In contrast to mechanical disc brakes, however, their brake calipers offer the option of automatic adjustment and significantly more braking pressure - two factors that previously reduced driving pleasure with mechanical disc brakes.

The US brake specialist TRP promises with its top model HyRd a solution that aims to combine the advantages of both variants. So you get two brake calipers for a relatively cheap 300 euros, which are operated by cable, but whose brake pads are hydraulic.

The brake calipers are being installed easy and quick to use. The grinding-free adjustment of the brake is done within 5 minutes thanks to the generous slotted holes. Only the included IS2000 adapter seems a bit strange in this context, especially since PostMount mounts are now standard on most frames. The pressure point can be adjusted as desired via the tension of the brake cable, so that everyone can find the pressure point that suits them.

In use, it shows HyRd ssnappy after a short braking time. Nevertheless, it can be dosed surprisingly well. Compared to fully hydraulic disc brake variants, the only thing that bothers you here is the slightly noticeable friction of the cable pulls. By using Teflon-coated cables, however, this can be minimized to a relatively large extent. Regardless, the works HyRd however reliable. It only very rarely squeaks and hardly makes any noise even when pedaling out of the saddle. The pads adjust themselves automatically.

Another plus can the HyRd stand out for their weather resistance. However, you should adjust the cable tension in extreme conditions - without the adjustment, the pressure point moves towards the handlebars, making hard braking maneuvers more difficult. In this regard, the installation of cable adjusters that allow easy adjustment and make adjusting the brake on the caliper obsolete seems practical in this regard.

//Conclusion

Apart from the fully hydraulic disc brake solutions from the manufacturers Shimano and Sram, the TRP HyRd probably the best braking performance currently available for cyclocross and racing bikes equipped with disc brakes. “Hydraulic system that can be operated with a cable pull and has a lot of pressure”, this is probably the easiest way to outline the inexpensive solution of the Americans.