Bicycles

Magura releases hydraulic rim brakes for road bikes

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Magura has introduced the world's first hydraulic braking system for road bicycles, known as RT8 TT
The RT8 TT brake body has a quick release mechanism, to easily open up for wheel changes
The RT8 TT brake body mounts using standard bolts
The RT8 TT carbon fiber brake levers were designed in wind tunnel tests
Magura has introduced the world's first hydraulic braking system for road bicycles, known as RT8 TT
The RT8 TT brake body utilizes standard rubber pads
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When most people think of hydraulic brakes on bicycles, they probably picture modern mountain bikes with disc brakes. As early as 1987, however, German bicycle component manufacturer Magura was making hydraulic rim brakes for mountain bikes. These featured the arms and rubber pads that we currently associate with V-brakes and cantilevers, but they were hydraulically activated. Now, 25 years later, Magura has released an aerodynamic hydraulic rim brake system for lightweight time trial and triathlon bikes.

The new system is called RT8 TT - RT for Road Team, and TT for Time Trial.

In order to get the aerodynamics just right, Magura collaborated with Cervélo, the Canadian high-end road bike manufacturer. Cervélo is known for its research into bicycle streamlining, and in fact recently unveiled what it claims is the world's most aerodynamic time trial/triathlon bicycle, the P5 ... which has integrated RT8 TT brakes.

The system consists of carbon fiber levers, joined by sealed-system hoses to "extremely stiff" aluminum brake bodies. Flowing through those hoses is Magura's wonderfully-named Royal Blood mineral oil. Unlike the DOT braking fluid used in many mountain bike systems, it apparently doesn't need to changed, and is non-toxic. Like those other systems, however, RT8 TT is said to be essentially maintence-free and impervious to dirt, dust and water. The pads will still need to be changed, but this is a relatively simple procedure.

The RT8 TT brake body utilizes standard rubber pads

Low maintenance is nice, but according to Magura, the big selling features of RT8 TT are its high braking power, fine modulation, light weight and aerodynamics. Friction losses are reportedly minimal, meaning that even a slight touch of the levers will activate the bodies. Weight-wise, the entire system tips the scales at 495 grams. For comparison, a complete Shimano Dura-Ace TT/TRI cable-activated brakeset is 381 grams, not including cables and housings.

The Cervélo P5 will be the only bike to feature RT8 TT for the 2012 racing season, but it should be available for use on other makes of bicycles after that. Deep-pocketed cyclists can purchase the system on its own as of this June, for EUR 599 (US$770). For EUR 499 ($642), they can instead go with the aluminum-levered RT6 TT system. In the near future, Magura will additionally be introducing the RT8 mechanical-to-hydraulic converter, for installing the hydraulic brakes on bikes with existing mechanical levers. A cheaper RT6 converter is also on the way.

Source: Bikeradar

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6 comments
Gadgeteer
Mathauser made hydraulic rim brakes for bicycles a couple of years before 1987.
Bill Bennett
I have a GT RTS2, it stops fine without hydraulics, whats next? a f$@#ing sat nav system and lane avoidance correction system and pedestrian avoidance system and something to watch out for trains, getting tired of the add technology because we can by manufacturers
Buellrider
I\'m all for innovation but how about the weak link on all bicycles, the darned seat. The slot really helped with alleviating numbness (nuts:-) but seats are still hard on the butt and make riding a literal pita. I\'d pay plenty for a seat that allowed hours long saddle time without the worry of sterilization which is really no joke.
epochdesign
Right! This is nothing new. I met Bill Mathauser around 1990 and at that time his hydraulic rim brake system was tooled up and in low volume production. It really was a great brake design/setup, totally leak proof using silicone fluid and a bellowphragm instead of o-rings; virtually no maintenance. His technology was essentially stolen (bought but never completely paid for) by an scam-investment-driven (OPM) outfit out of Seattle/Redmond who have changed their name a couple times since. They never had any intention of taking the product mainstream, just using the technology to entice more investment suckers. Bill was a brilliant and sweet old guy. Really sad how he got duped by those jokers.
flibb
At least they\'re a sexy looking unit and they don\'t require electricity!
Gadgeteer
Buellrider,
You can either try a recumbent bicycle or if you really want to stick with an upright bicycle, the Manta (now Evolve) saddle.
http://www.gizmag.com/manta-bicycle-saddle/15251/