Sram launches S-900 Aero HRD disc brake system

SRAM have made a big leap in improving the braking capabilities of TT and tri bikes with the release of the HRD disc system, as the new brakes are fully hydraulic. This is the first of its kind to be released by one of the big component brands.   

The S-900 HRD disc brakes are not yet integrated with eTap shifting and are brake-only, but are said to offer "optimised power and modulation for time trial and triathlon". The claimed weight is 240g, and the levers are made out of a textured carbon, offering better feel and control than regular TT levers. They also have different levels of reach adjustment for various hand and finger sizes.  
The calipers themselves are flat mount only, and SRAM recommend either a 160mm or 140mm rotor for TT and tri use. Sram's Bleeding Edge technology means that the faff is taken out of brake bleeding, and they say it's possible for a home mechanic to perform a bleed in 90 seconds flat. 

The brake system is seen here on a Cannondale Super Slice

As the first wave of disc-equipped TT bikes reached the market last year, including the radical Cervélo P5X, the technology wasn't ready for the bikes to come with full hydraulic disc brakes, so the P5X, Parlee's TTiR and Diamondback's Andean to name the three that caught the most attention were built with half-and-half set-ups. Though Cervélo told us at the P5X's European launch that mechanical was advantageous because they don't require bleeding, Sram's Bleeding Edge system negates this advantage and means full hydraulic is now a no-brainer - you can only hope those that forked out up to £13,500 for the first batch of P5X's get a complimentary upgrade to hydraulic, something Cervélo told us they would endeavour to offer when the technology becomes available. 

The new hydraulic disc brake revolution debuted at the Tour de France prologue, with Cannondale's new Super Slice speccing the S900 HRD system. It will be available from September, with the brakes priced at £235 and the rotor £63.