Secondary/auxiliary brake levers - hydraulic?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Secondary/auxiliary brake levers - hydraulic?
Tektro (and presumably others) do an auxiliary brake lever for mounting on the tops of drop handlebars in addition to normal, primary brakes already fitted, e.g. the RL570. These effectively pull the brake cable by extending the cable sleeving.
Has anyone come across auxiliary brake levers that work with hydraulic brakes?
These would be ideal in combination with finger tip, trigger gear shifters (mounted next to the auxiliary brake levers), for someone crossing over from road/racing into touring/audax/bikepacking.
Has anyone come across auxiliary brake levers that work with hydraulic brakes?
These would be ideal in combination with finger tip, trigger gear shifters (mounted next to the auxiliary brake levers), for someone crossing over from road/racing into touring/audax/bikepacking.
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Ooops.. "Here, let me Google that for you"
https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cy...ake-lever.html
Sorry. :-}
https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cy...ake-lever.html
Sorry. :-}
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
The next question is therefore, is there a hydraulic brake lever (drop bar) that is compatible with the Shimano GRX BL RX812, that ISN'T DUAL CONTROL?
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
There is the TRP Hylex hydraulic brake for drop handlebars (brake only), but it's not clear if this is compatible with the Shimano GRX BL RX812.
#5
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,922
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4495 Post(s)
Liked 4,177 Times
in
2,797 Posts
It could likely work you just need the correct fittings to make it work. We actually had some hydraulic sub levers working with SRAM levers and those are two vastly different fluids. I cannot speak to total longevity but it did work initially and on various test rides just fine.
You will likely want TRP fittings at the main lever and the caliper and then Shimano fittings at the sub levers in and out.
You will likely want TRP fittings at the main lever and the caliper and then Shimano fittings at the sub levers in and out.
Likes For veganbikes:
#6
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,172
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2296 Post(s)
Liked 3,529 Times
in
1,855 Posts
I have TRP Hylex mated to Shimano calipers, so my guess is it will work. (TRP and Shimano have different olives and barbs, so you need to deal with that.)
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
It could likely work you just need the correct fittings to make it work. We actually had some hydraulic sub levers working with SRAM levers and those are two vastly different fluids. I cannot speak to total longevity but it did work initially and on various test rides just fine.
You will likely want TRP fittings at the main lever and the caliper and then Shimano fittings at the sub levers in and out.
You will likely want TRP fittings at the main lever and the caliper and then Shimano fittings at the sub levers in and out.
As long as it's just fittings, and not so incompatible that one uses imperial diameter pipes and the other uses metric, say.
So, this sounds like a goer: TRP drop brakes + TRP calipers + Shimano.sub levers. And 22mm dia Shimano trigger shifters next to the sub levers.
Just have to put 22->24mm and 25.4mm to 32mm shims in various places on the 22mm drop handlebars, e.g. https://amzn.eu/d/992iAjE
#8
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,172
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2296 Post(s)
Liked 3,529 Times
in
1,855 Posts
SRAM uses DOT fluid, and it will destroy Shimano or TRP parts. (The other way around it probably fails less dramatically. Mineral oil is fairly inert.)
#9
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,172
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2296 Post(s)
Liked 3,529 Times
in
1,855 Posts
Why not just use GRX levers and calipers?
#10
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,922
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4495 Post(s)
Liked 4,177 Times
in
2,797 Posts
I can't believe the fluids can really have such a significant difference that one jeopardises the integrity of components designed for the other. Ok 'YMMV'.
As long as it's just fittings, and not so incompatible that one uses imperial diameter pipes and the other uses metric, say.
So, this sounds like a goer: TRP drop brakes + TRP calipers + Shimano.sub levers. And 22mm dia Shimano trigger shifters next to the sub levers.
Just have to put 22->24mm and 25.4mm to 32mm shims in various places on the 22mm drop handlebars, e.g. https://amzn.eu/d/992iAjE
As long as it's just fittings, and not so incompatible that one uses imperial diameter pipes and the other uses metric, say.
So, this sounds like a goer: TRP drop brakes + TRP calipers + Shimano.sub levers. And 22mm dia Shimano trigger shifters next to the sub levers.
Just have to put 22->24mm and 25.4mm to 32mm shims in various places on the 22mm drop handlebars, e.g. https://amzn.eu/d/992iAjE
Your idea sounds horrible just get a flat bar bike or use proper STI levers or some similar integrated lever. There is no situation where I want drop bars and on my hoods I cannot shift and have to move to the tops to shift and then move back. If I did want shifting there I would go Di2 and that way I can run satellite shifters so I have shifting from my main levers and then anywhere else I might want it.
I would stick with a bar like the Surly Moloko, Koga Denham or Veto Orange Crazy Bar and then I can run whatever brakes I want with no sub levers needed, have a place to put my hands that is similar to where I would be on the hoods and run trigger shifters.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
#12
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,172
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2296 Post(s)
Liked 3,529 Times
in
1,855 Posts
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I also have a road bike with brifters on drops, and no way would I want to tour on that bike. So, it's not like I'm unaware of the 'pleasures' of brifters.
I will check out the bars you mention, but I'm wondering if the setup I'm pursuing is simply offensive to you.
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I guess there's a long running thread on this subject (like crash helmets), but as far I can make out there should be no problem using DOT4 or mineral oil in any braking system, as long as the same fluid is used from day 1, i.e. if it's factory installed with mineral oil, you can't drain it, and use DOT4 - or vice versa.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
#15
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,922
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4495 Post(s)
Liked 4,177 Times
in
2,797 Posts
Well, as someone who has ridden mostly on the tops, with auxiliary levers and fingertip trigger shifters, for many years, but has enjoyed the ability to move down to the drops when descending >50Km/h, for which brakes (but not shifters) are necessary, I am evidently in a peculiar class of tourer.
I also have a road bike with brifters on drops, and no way would I want to tour on that bike. So, it's not like I'm unaware of the 'pleasures' of brifters.
I will check out the bars you mention, but I'm wondering if the setup I'm pursuing is simply offensive to you.
I also have a road bike with brifters on drops, and no way would I want to tour on that bike. So, it's not like I'm unaware of the 'pleasures' of brifters.
I will check out the bars you mention, but I'm wondering if the setup I'm pursuing is simply offensive to you.
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I've checked out the Di2 stuff. It is weird that manufacturers are only just discovering the possibility of drops being used in the manner above - as opposed to 90% on the drops, and on the tops/hoods only for the rare cruise - or possibly when ascending (when brakes aren't so important, but a tweak to the gearing is).
Here's another option for those needing a 22mm bar for top brakes/shifters, with 24mm drops for brakes only: https://amzn.eu/d/eSclkIN
#17
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,172
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2296 Post(s)
Liked 3,529 Times
in
1,855 Posts
I guess there's a long running thread on this subject (like crash helmets), but as far I can make out there should be no problem using DOT4 or mineral oil in any braking system, as long as the same fluid is used from day 1, i.e. if it's factory installed with mineral oil, you can't drain it, and use DOT4 - or vice versa.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
#18
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: near Detroit
Posts: 309
Bikes: a few..
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 82 Post(s)
Liked 152 Times
in
98 Posts
I guess there's a long running thread on this subject (like crash helmets), but as far I can make out there should be no problem using DOT4 or mineral oil in any braking system, as long as the same fluid is used from day 1, i.e. if it's factory installed with mineral oil, you can't drain it, and use DOT4 - or vice versa.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
#19
Senior Member
I've checked out the bars you mention, but they don't offer the upright, comfort touring posture, with brakes+shifters, for the majority of the riding, and an option for a streamlined tuck position with hands on drop bars, with brake levers at the ready - for the occasional high speed descent.
This might be a left field option, but you could consider using some alt bars combined with a dropper post to get more aero on the descents.
If you don't want to give up drop bars, then it looks like GRX is the solution.
Otherwise, you'll just end up going down some weird hodge podge rabbit hole setup that's going to cost more time and money than it's worth. But hey, if you enjoy experimenting none of us are going to stop you.
#20
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,689
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1704 Post(s)
Liked 1,889 Times
in
1,092 Posts
The TRP HY-RD are cable from the lever to the brake body, where the hydraulic elements reside. Regular ol' cable aux lever = straightforward.
Last edited by tcs; 07-02-23 at 04:01 PM.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,334
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3523 Post(s)
Liked 1,500 Times
in
1,172 Posts
... , but as far I can make out there should be no problem using DOT4 or mineral oil in any braking system, as long as the same fluid is used from day 1, i.e. if it's factory installed with mineral oil, you can't drain it, and use DOT4 - or vice versa.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
So, if Shimano's sub levers were intended for DOT4, and TRP's levers and calipers were intended for mineral oil, there would be no problem (at install point) using mineral oil throughout.
If it does not last a year, let us know that sooner.
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Is there such a thing as a hydraulic brake hose union or tee piece?
This would either be a simple connector of two brake lever hoses to a hose leading to one disc brake, or it would also have two valves such that if either brake failed or was removed, no fluid would escape, and the remaining lever could continue to operate the brake.
This would either be a simple connector of two brake lever hoses to a hose leading to one disc brake, or it would also have two valves such that if either brake failed or was removed, no fluid would escape, and the remaining lever could continue to operate the brake.
#23
Full Member
Is there such a thing as a hydraulic brake hose union or tee piece?
This would either be a simple connector of two brake lever hoses to a hose leading to one disc brake, or it would also have two valves such that if either brake failed or was removed, no fluid would escape, and the remaining lever could continue to operate the brake.
This would either be a simple connector of two brake lever hoses to a hose leading to one disc brake, or it would also have two valves such that if either brake failed or was removed, no fluid would escape, and the remaining lever could continue to operate the brake.
If you had to have all that stuff yeah I'd go Hy/Lex with the GRX interrupters in a second. Would never tell a customer to do this but I'd try it myself. I am not sure of the best way to get rapid-fire shifters on road drop bars though, you might have to go with a "lesser" shifter like a thumbie on a mount that size, or something. There are some lesser band-on paddle type shifters in like 3x7 that would work, they come on department store road bikes sometimes.
Last edited by tombc; 07-12-23 at 06:25 AM.
#24
Junior Member
Thread Starter
The GRX secondary brakes have to go on the wide bit near the centre (or on big shims further away).
I then thought, "Hey, we're dealing with fluid here, not cables, so a T-piece should be a doddle", and so normal flat bar brake levers should work fine as secondaries.
So, although there is a solution already, I think an even superior one could be found if there is such a thing as a hydraulic brake pipe T piece.
#25
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Here's a sign that this part already exists: https://hollandbikeshop.com/en-gb/bi...-black-735326/
A Tektro t-piece.
I think this is designed to enable one lever to operate two disc brakes simultaneously (tricycle?), but unless it has internal valves, I would have thought it can also be used to enable either of two levers operate a single disc brake.
There's also a Magura t-piece: https://www.bike-components.de/en/Ma...-Lines-p60538/
A Tektro t-piece.
I think this is designed to enable one lever to operate two disc brakes simultaneously (tricycle?), but unless it has internal valves, I would have thought it can also be used to enable either of two levers operate a single disc brake.
There's also a Magura t-piece: https://www.bike-components.de/en/Ma...-Lines-p60538/
Last edited by Xavier65; 07-13-23 at 01:50 AM.