eTap HRD Shifters and calipers

11 replies · 517 views

bobknh
794 posts
#1Jun 21, 2017, 9:07 AMedited
I'll be building up my 44 Cycles custom steel frame in late summer early fall. The frame will be designed for through axle disc brakes and wheels and will require post mount calipers. I'm also planning on using as much of my SRAM eTap Wifli drive train as possible. SRAM's eTap shifters are spec.'d to be compatible with my other eTap Wifli der's. All I have to do is pair the new eTap HRD shifters with my existing der's. I've been trying to find a good source online to purchase just the eTap HRD shifters and post mount brake calipers. So far, I've only been able to find some online suppliers who only advertise compete eTap HRD upgrade kits which cost over $2,000. Does anyone know a good online source for these shifters and post mount brake calipers? They should cost around $600 for the set of shifters and calipers.
Another, much less expensive option might be to continue using my non hydraulic eTap shifters. But, that would mean either using cable actuated calipers like Paul's "Klampers", or a hybrid like the TRP HY/RD. I'd also appreciate any feed back from anyone using either of these cable actuated calipers.
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PoolBoyMatt
49 posts
#2Jun 21, 2017, 9:12 AM
I run BB7 with great success, using Rival1 levers.

QBP has part numbers but no stock for the upgrade parts you wants, at an MSRP of $1100ish. That is lever/caliper L&R set.
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Masshoff
14 posts
#3Jun 27, 2017, 7:53 AM
SRAM just started shipping the etap HRD stuff so my bet would be a few more months before the shifter/caliper sets are available. I used etap shifters with TRP hy/rd and it was great. Very close to full hydro and zero maintenance. Modulation was similar to SRAM hydro with the only difference maybe being full stop power, but how often are you grabbing to lock up the wheels?
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Masshoff
14 posts
#4Jun 27, 2017, 8:04 AM
I saw your other post about this topic where you mention this is a gravel bike you're building (which makes sense considering he forum!). Have you checked the clearance needed for the etap front der battery? It's not going to play nice with wider tires - I have 35s on a bike with etap and the clearance is ok but I might not go much wider or knobbier than that. I scrapped plans for a custom frame built around etap as a result and went with mechanical shifters instead.
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bobknh
794 posts
#5Jun 27, 2017, 11:22 AM
Masshoff wrote:SRAM just started shipping the etap HRD stuff so my bet would be a few more months before the shifter/caliper sets are available. I used etap shifters with TRP hy/rd and it was great. Very close to full hydro and zero maintenance. Modulation was similar to SRAM hydro with the only difference maybe being full stop power, but how often are you grabbing to lock up the wheels?

Thanks for the intel. I had a feeling that availability will be an issue for awhile - especially since I only want to purchase the shifters and calipers - no a full group set. My guess is first priority will go to to OEM bike manufacturers, then complete upgrade group kits, then finally to individual components. I'll probably stick with my standard non-hydraulic shifters with either SRP Spyr's or Hy/RD's. I'd love to try the Klampers -- but there may be issues with heel clearance for my size 47 feet.
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bobknh
794 posts
#6Jun 27, 2017, 11:31 AM
Masshoff wrote:I saw your other post about this topic where you mention this is a gravel bike you're building (which makes sense considering he forum!). Have you checked the clearance needed for the etap front der battery? It's not going to play nice with wider tires - I have 35s on a bike with etap and the clearance is ok but I might not go much wider or knobbier than that. I scrapped plans for a custom frame built around etap as a result and went with mechanical shifters instead.

I'm already running the eTap on my Swiss Cross CX bike with 38mm tires. The battery clearance is OK with 35 and 38 mm tires. A 40mm Rambler might just fit. JOM of Gravel Cycist used the eTap with 40mm gravel tires in some races and tests last year. Although it worked OK with 40mm tires, he was disappointed that SRAM didn't make allowance for larger tires. Apparently, he complained to SRAM about the issue, and their reply was that for wider tires, they expect folks to use 1x systems. Neither JOM or I were pleased by SRAM's attitude. The eTap system works great,though.
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bobknh
794 posts
#7Jul 9, 2017, 7:23 AMedited
This is an update of this earlier post. My new frame build specifications will be up on 44 Cycles white board in a few weeks. I've been contacting several retailers about the availability of the SRAM eTap HRD hydraulic shifters. So far, the only indication I've had is from one on-line retailer who claims that he expects them from his wholesaler around the end of July. Given my past experience with SRAM new products, I'm not too optimistic. All of this leads me back to my basic concerns about the ultimate destiny of this frame. So far, I've swallowed the "kool aid" on the build design - disc brakes with TA wheels. This design is supposed to be "future proof". All of the new gravel bikes I've seen recently use these technologies. But, I'm not yet convinced that I really need them. So far, I'm doing very well with Swiss Cross Canti, Paul's Minimoto linear pull brakes, and HED Ardennes wheel sets. Do I really need a mountain bike disguised as a road bike? Any thoughts would be appreciated. BTW, I'm not the only one that shares this concern. Here is an interesting article about a custom gravel grinder seen recently at the DK200: http://www.gravelcyclist.com/bicycle-tech/featured-bike-venny-wilmeths-custom-hans-schneider/
Here are the pros and con's of hydraulic TA discs that I'm considering.
Pros:
Wider tire compatibility. Possible use of both 700C and 650B wheels.
Better braking - especially in wet conditions.
Better brake modulation.
Industry is adapting this tech. and most future gg bikes and products will embrace this tech. Probably even high end road bikes.
The TA and hydraulic brakes are already well accepted and tested in the mountain bike world.
Cons:
Weight -- at least 2 pounds or more on the finished bike.
Cost -- requires new wheels and components costing $$$$$. In reality, I'll likely get a new custom wheel set anyway. The main additional cost wont be that great. Just the cost of disc components and hydraulics.
Incompatibility - will be incompatible with all my other stuff - bikes, work stands, roof racks, stationary trainers etc.

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Skldmark
164 posts
#8Jul 9, 2017, 11:59 AM
Does anyone know a good online source for these shifters and post mount brake calipers? They _should cost around $600 for the set of shifters and calipers._~. Oh,Really?
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bobknh
794 posts
#9Jul 9, 2017, 7:37 PM
Skldmark wrote:Does anyone know a good online source for these shifters and post mount brake calipers? They _should cost around $600 for the set of shifters and calipers._~. Oh,Really?

+1 on your concerns and question. I'll probably do my initial build using mech. discs like the venerable (and inexpensive) bb7's or Spyre's. Then upgrade to the eTap HRD's when they become more available.
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dangle
465 posts
#10Jul 10, 2017, 2:02 PM
bobknh wrote:
Incompatibility - will be incompatible with all my other stuff - bikes, work stands, roof racks, stationary trainers etc.

I'm not sure what workstands don't have cheap or included workarounds for thru axle bikes. I have two stands that have adapters that work quite well. For my trainer, the Robert Axle Project (don't Google 'Robert Axel') thru axles have been awesome.

Just wait and get the hydro brakes instead of wringing your hands and starting a new thread about your (first world) problem every day. Don't compromise such a great (44 Cycles has such a cool story and makes awesome stuff) bike with mechanical brakes. Please. You will always wish you had held out for the full hydro system instead of the mechanical brakes you keep mentioning.

Here's somebody legit (sells a lot through the ST forums) selling a brand new set of eTap wifli post mount shifters and brakes.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/?post=6353032#p6353032
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bobknh
794 posts
#11Jul 10, 2017, 8:26 PM
dangle wrote:

I'm not sure what workstands don't have cheap or included workarounds for thru axle bikes. I have two stands that have adapters that work quite well. For my trainer, the Robert Axle Project (don't Google 'Robert Axel') thru axles have been awesome.

Just wait and get the hydro brakes instead of wringing your hands and starting a new thread about your (first world) problem every day. Don't compromise such a great (44 Cycles has such a cool story and makes awesome stuff) bike with mechanical brakes. Please. You will always wish you had held out for the full hydro system instead of the mechanical brakes you keep mentioning.

Here's somebody legit (sells a lot through the ST forums) selling a brand new set of eTap wifli post mount shifters and brakes.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/?post=6353032#p6353032[/QUOTE]
Sorry for sharing my daily angst on this forum. Thanks for the link on ST. But they are selling a full upgrade kit which includes derailleurs, for $2,000. I just need the hydraulic shifters and calipers.
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dangle
465 posts
#12Jul 10, 2017, 8:48 PM
bobknh wrote:
Sorry for sharing my daily angst on this forum. Thanks for the link on ST. But they are selling a full upgrade kit which includes derailleurs, for $2,000. I just need the hydraulic shifters and calipers.

Ha, no need to apologize. I'm just 100% sure you want the full hydro based on your posts and it's no easily available. Good point about not needing the derailleurs.
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