guadzilla

So it turns out that I have all the parts needed to put together a 10 speed DI2 system except shifters - was looking to get a pair of shifters to complete the group and then putting it on a gravel frameset. 10 speed should be ok for me for now, and i can always upgrade down the road later, if i so desire.

The frame is going to be a disc brake frameset so that i can swap wheelsets with my other bikes. As I want to minimize the spending on this bike, was thinking of getting 6770/6870 shifters to complete the build. But these are cable brake levers.

I have no desire to run mechanical disc brakes - however, the TRP HY/RD brakes could be an option, as they seem to avoid some of the issues of mechanical brakes. Are these worth getting (I realize they wont have the same modulation and braking power as hydraulics - as long as they are comparable or better than rim brake versions and not too fussy to maintain, I am happy).

Also, can the brake cable for these be routed internally, the same as hydraulic hoses?

Edit to add - last question: are there compatibility/spacing issues due to the larger size of these calipers?

TIA!

blazin

Not sure how much you want to spend, but the TRP Hylex brakes/levers with Di2 mod could be an option for getting hydraulic brakes more cheaply than a Shimano set-up.

WhyFi

I occasionally peruse Di2 parts and I swear that I've seen 10-sp Hydro DA on the cheap more than a few times. I'm talking sub-$200 for the pair.

mstateglfr 

Related option- juintech makes a cable hydraulic option that is smaller than the hy/rd. It comes in post mount(r1) and flat mount(f1) and a few different colors.

I have the f1 model on my gravel bike because I didn't want to give up my Gevenale shifters when I built up the frame. I used compressionless brake housing and the breaks work extremely well.

https://www.ebay.com/i/142986796456?...hoCNUsQAvD_BwE

https://www.ebay.com/i/132876764147?...xoC2h8QAvD_BwE

https://www.ebay.com/i/223775065066?...r=522511929860

guadzilla

Oh, that would be perfect - i didnt even realize there were 10 speed hydro DI2 levers. Do you happen to know the model number?

guadzilla

Well, I dont want to spend more than i have to, but at the same time, i am not going to screw up the build just to save a couple of hundred bucks... thanks for that tip, will check those out as well.

WhyFi

No idea. Maybe I'm wrong and they're 11sp, though. I might be able to do a quick search after the morning errands.

guadzilla

In your experience, has the performance been better than a mechanical disc? How about setup and maintenance? i will be traveling a fair bit with the bike i am putting this on, so want something that can be easily tweaked if need be.

guadzilla

I'll also check shortly - but all the 10 speeds i can find are cable-actuated levers only.

guadzilla

Also, for those of you using TRP HY/RD and similar brakes - how is the braking performance? It doesnt have to as good as hydraulic, but as long as it is comparable to or preferably better than rim brakes, I am good.

Russ Roth

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/s...oxOjQ6cjc4NQ==
Might be 11sp but with Di2 doesn't the shifter just tell the der how far to move and it will work fine with any shimano 11sp cassette? 200 for shifters and brakes I'd rather buy a cassette and go 11sp then buy shifters for 200 plus cable actuated hydraulic for another 150.

Elvo

If you're gonna spend $200+ might as well go full hydro:
https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/s...nt-103562.html

guadzilla

Oh awesome - that's fantastic. I never even realized that there was a 10 speed Di2 - the model number is non-standard, so that's what threw me off..

Ordering it off Competitive Cyclist now.... thanks a lot, WhyFi Russ Roth and Elvo !!

Yup - as per my compatibility chart, this would be compatible with my old 6770 FD/RD. To go 11 speed, i will need to replace both the RD/FD as well, though, as those arent 11-speed compatible. But that's ok, can always upgrade them later - for now, this solves my problem a lot more elegantly (and cheaply) than getting 6780 shifters and paying $250+ for th e TRP brakeset.

Racing Dan

There is the Giant solution Called Giant Conduct mech/hydro/disc.

mstateglfr 

Performance is fine for me...I'm still alive after all the times I've used it! Today's ride was 45mi and 3350' of climb where its constant 50-150' hills over and again. Lots of short steep descents where braking is needed coming to turns or intersections- im 225# and stop fine.
The brakes stop me as well as v-brakes...which is a compliment because the ones I've used can make a bus skid.
I think the compressionless brake housing is a big reason i like the setup.

Installation is simple. There is a 3min YouTube video from the company and its a basic system- you can see the adjustment screw easily and its simple to adjust the pads when installing. ​

Earlier, I didn't mention the cable routing.
juintech f1 is smaller and lighter than trp hyrd, but the cable points upward as it enters the caliper. Hyrd has the cable point down. I dont care because I don't submerge my bike in 2' or water, but the cable routing may be an issue for others.

guadzilla

Update - ordered the 11 speed hydraulic Di2 shifters off CC. Old generation, but who cares....

Now to pick a frame. Aspero, Open UP or Chapter2 AO - or even a Giant Revolt if i wait till Oct/Nov for the 2021 MY.

WhyFi

Oof - tough, but enviable choices.

merlinextraligh

running them on two tandems. There's adequate stopping power for the tandem (and we've taken it down 20% plus grades)

in terms of power and modulation, I'd put put them about evenly between cable actuated disks and hydraulic. Better than cable, not as good as full hydraulic, but overall not bad.