

SRAM says the 5.1 fluid takes almost three times longer to boil than DOT 4, which makes for longer-lasting braking performance. SRAM uses DOT 5.1 brake fluid to help with heat management. It keeps air from getting into the lever during the installation process or if you need to shorten a brake line.
#Sram etap hrd install
Simply run the line from the caliper up toward the lever, install the olive barb, and connect to the Stealth-a-Majig. It attaches the brake line to the lever and makes installation easy. SRAM also introduced a convenient connector piece at the hood called the Stealth-a-Majig. For cyclists new to the bleed process, SRAM provides helpful YouTube videos that clearly explain each step so you can follow along and check your work. Walking through the process at a leisurely pace took us around 10 minutes from start to finish including prep and clean up.
#Sram etap hrd full
SRAM says a full bleed should only take about 90 seconds once you get all the pieces prepped and ready to go. Syringes attach to the bleed ports using SRAM’s Bleeding Edge connectors that help prevent fluid contamination or air absorption into the system. SRAM’s Bleeding Edge technology makes hydraulic disc brake maintenance feel less daunting with easy-to-access bleed ports and a simpler, streamlined design. One thing to note is that the contact point adjustment only affects lever throw and not the distance between the brake pads and the rotors. SRAM suggests setting the system up with a small amount of dead throw to start, especially for riders who aren’t familiar with the more powerful disc brake platform. It adjusts how quickly the brake pads engage with the rotors (within the brake lever’s stroke) to start slowing you down. Besides security, this also provides a more comfortable hand position when braking or shifting.ĮTap HRD controls also feature a contact point adjustment that changes the brake’s engagement point. To accommodate my own small hands, I moved the lever in about halfway for a secure grip from the hoods and from the drops. Adjusting a 2.5mm hex screw on the hood body moves the brake lever in and out from the bar to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes. SRAM provides reach adjust with the new eTap HRD controls. The size difference is perceptible at first but quickly feels normal after several rides. The updated hydraulic hoods closely mimic eTap’s rim brake design, measuring just slightly larger - SRAM had to squeeze all those hydraulic pieces in somewhere. A smaller hood circumference provides more finger wrap while a shorter profile makes for a sleeker look. SRAM’s eTap HRD controls are noticeably slimmer than HydroR’s bulky and blocky design. The brakes were generally quiet, aside from a couple gentle squeals under the hardest braking. However, the rub would quickly work its way out the next time we pulled on the levers. We experienced the occasional brake rub caused by hard and inconsistent braking. We tested SRAM Red eTap HRD with 160mm rotors in the front and rear on a Pinarello Dogma F8 Disc.

We experienced consistent braking with no overheating issues throughout testing. After repeated trips down a treacherously steep section of our local climb, the brakes provided the same bite as when we started the ride - even when hugging the brakes the whole way down. SRAM’s HydroHC brake platform also features improved heat management compared to HydroR thanks to insulated aluminum pistons and wider pad pockets. This made for easy one-finger braking without causing our fingers to fatigue on long descents. HydroHC brakes feel stronger than HydroR and provide a similar amount of power as Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes. This helps prevent over-braking and makes for a smooth transition from full speed to stop in minimal time. The brakes work gently at first and then quickly build strength as you squeeze harder. It’s an updated version of the company’s HydroR road disc system and provides smoother and more predictable stopping power. Red eTap HRD (hydraulic road disc) uses SRAM’s new HydroHC brake platform. The straightforward and reliable system makes for the best SRAM road group we’ve tested. SRAM also simplified the hydraulic system, taking the angst out of the bleed process. The new group provides impressive braking power and modulation as well as refined ergonomics. SRAM Red eTap HRD officially hits the market this summer offering a one-two punch of wireless shifting and hydraulic disc brakes. Get access to everything we publish when you
