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TECH NEWS

SRAM launches its first direct mount rim brake

New S-900 design plugs a gaping hole in the lineup

SRAM has announced the S-900, the first direct mount rim brake in its lineup.

Rather than attaching to a frame or fork via a single central bolt as is usually the case, a direct mount design attaches via two fittings, one for each arm (obviously, the frame/fork has to be manufactured specifically to take a direct mount brake).

SRAM S900 direct mount brake - 1.jpg

“The synchroniser, which adjusts the pads for simultaneous engagement, is an offset design rather than centrally located,” says SRAM. “This location greatly reduces splay force, or energy that is dissipated into the frame/fork rather than the calliper. The result is superior modulation and great power, no sponginess, and a snappy return.”

We’ve not used it so we can’t comment on the performance. That inboard-facing quick release lever has a very Shimano-esque look to it.

SRAM S900 direct mount brake - 2.jpg

The S-900 direct mount brake has clearance for 28mm tyres (you can get Shimano Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105 direct mount brakes with clearance for 28mm tyres too) and SRAM says the pads are set wide enough to cope with modern rims.

The brakes feature SwissStop Flash Pro pads and are designed for fork and seatstay mounting only (so not underneath the chainstays). They’re compatible with all SRAM mechanical brake levers.

SRAM S900 direct mount brake - 7.jpg

Previously, the SRAM-sponsored Katusha-Alpecin team had to use Shimano direct mount brakes on its Canyon Aeroad bikes, so this new product plugs that particular hole.

SRAM claims a weight of 326g for the pair (Shimano claims 310g for Dura-Ace, 344g for Ultegra, 350g for 105).

The S-900 direct mount rim brakes will be sold individually from March at a price of £116 each.

Get more details here.

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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2 comments

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Welsh boy | 6 years ago
1 like

That has been designed with the same ugly pencil as the one used to design Shimano chainsets!

Good job that function is the most important consideration when designing a component.

Avatar
RobD replied to Welsh boy | 6 years ago
0 likes

Welsh boy wrote:

That has been designed with the same ugly pencil as the one used to design Shimano chainsets!

Good job that function is the most important consideration when designing a component.

I don't think they look bad, yes they're not a classic, but something spindly and refined would look a bit out of place on an aero bike

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