Considering upgrading brakes on my gravel bike to Yokozuna Ultimos. Currently have Shimano 105 brake levers/shifters with Promax mechanical disc brakes. Braking power is severely lacking, modulation non-existent. The Yoko Ultimos are cable-actuated hydro disc brakes, which can be installed with existing mechanical brake levers. Pricey at $200 each. Have read a little about them, and Russ from PathlessPedaled seems to really like them. Anyone out there with experience on these, or other types of mechanical/hydro brakes, like TRP?
I do know both, the Yokos and the TRP Hy/RD. Both are better than your Promax mech. brakes. But they're not in the same league as even the cheapest Shimano full hydro brakes. I'd suggest you spend the money for new Shimano full hydro brifters and calipers.
Juin Tech F1/R1's are really quite good (only 2 piston), basically they are identical to Yokozuna Motoko's, but only 150 bucks for a pair (with rotor's and adapters). Performance isn't on par with full hydro, but with Yokozuna Reaction housing they are pretty close. When you factor in the price they are hard to beat...
I had problems with my Hy/Rd brakes freezing shut in the winter. I prefer the adjustability of Spyres/Spykes over hydros. They're not as strong, but they're strong enough.
For reference I have Ultegra hydraulic on one gravel bike and have destroyed multiple Sram and Hayes mtb brakes.
