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I’m currently running trp hd brakes with Shimano 105 shifters 2x11 set up on my Salsa Vaya. As this is likely to be my only bike for some time was thinking of some upgrades, namely a set of Shimano hydraulic brakes.
Firstly will I notice a considerable difference and secondly is it worth the extra cash
To be honest, I didn’t notice a huge difference between my mates’ HyRd’s and my Spyres. I don’t want to repeat the usual roadie bollocks about how the cable brakes will lock you up perfectly well, why do you need more, but: what are you actually looking for, improvement wise?
5800 is a fine groupset and I sincerely doubt you’ll get any more usable power from the Shimano hydraulics, just possibly easier maintenance (assuming you get a set that doesn’t pop its seals) and probably more modulation.
As an aside, the best upgrades I made to my 5800 bike with Spyres were replacing the stock pads and the rotors. OMG, those stock rotors were crap. Definitely TRP paid too much attention to lightening without considering what would happen at 45+MPH when you really needed them- probably outside the scope of CX muddy field use I suppose. A set of SLX RT66’s of the same diameter was a massive performance and peace of mind improvement.
Cheers fit that Vinnie, I’ll check out changing the pads and discs.
As this is likely to be my only bike for some time was thinking of some upgrades,
Of course you could take the view that as you are going to keep it a long time then you can wear things out, as you'll have the time to do, that then upgrade. `:-)
Good point, the trp hd’s are like new and I’ve just remembered I’ve new upgraded pads I ordered a few months ago 😀
Roadie Alert....I had TRP Spyres on my CDF a few years ago, couldn’t stop me if they wanted to, I then went to TRP HY/RD with new pads and rotors fitted, also not a fan.
I then went Hydraulic and should have bit the bullet and went hydraulic rather than Hy/Rd.
I know other people get on ok with them, I just wasn’t confident using them, especially on descents (Snowdonia, fast descents, switch backs and sometimes slow moving traffic).
It’s hard to explain the difference, it could have been lever pull or the compression less cables, but the Spyres were scary rubbish and the Hy/Rd’s marginally better.(This was about 2014 so may have improved since)
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For balance, Have both spyres and juin-techs on hope and shimano rotors and with good compressionless outer, neat setup and after-market pads and they are both brutally powerful.
Was really unimpressed when I first got them, but the upgrades made them excellent.
No doubt that full hydro systems will be better, though.
I hope to get some off road riding later in the year so I think I’ll be glad of the hydraulics. So will have the trp hd’s up for sale and the shifters.
Cheers all.
I wish I hadn't switched to full hydraulic disk brakes - said no one in history ever. Right decision fudge9202.
I’ll be going hydro to replace my Spyres.
They are ‘fine’ from a breaking power point of view but there’s a certain amount of faff with adjusting for pad wear, lubing cables etc... that you don’t get with hydro.