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TRP’s Trick New Singlespeed Brake Levers, Shorter Mini V-Brakes, Parabox Hydraulic Converter, More

trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers
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trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers

TRP’s highlight was certainly the Parabox cable-to-hydraulic disc brake converter that’s been popping up on bikes like the Felt prototype disc brake carbon cyclocross bike, and we’ve got plenty of specs and pics on it after the break.

But they also had these new singlespeed brake levers with push-button cable release, some new shorter Mini V-brakes for SRAM levers and a sneak peek at a forthcoming mag road brake for Shimano’s 7900 levers. It’s all pretty sweet looking…

trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers

Called the RRL SL (an homage to older Super Record bits), the levers are available in three versions: carbon UD blade w/ black hood ($109), drilled out alloy w/ retro brown hood ($100) and a standard black ano blade w/ black hood ($59).

trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers

They have a spring loaded quick release to open up brakes for muddy sections, good for mini V-brakes on cyclocross bikes. Shown on left with button pushed in and brake lever popped out, simply pull them back when it’s time to descend and they’ll snap back to their regular position near the rim and function normally.

trp rrl sl retro classic carbon fiber singlespeed road bike brake levers

When the button’s pushed, the lever pops forward and the brakes open up (left). Pull it and it goes back to normal (right).

2012 trp r979eq magnesium road brake for shimano 7900 brake levers cable pull

When Shimano redesigned their 7900 levers’ cable pull ratio, it required a bigger caliper to accommodate it. The forthcoming TRP R979EQ has a cam quick release and is being raced by the Geox team, but will be available to you by Interbike. About 120g/wheel. Retail should be about $660/pair. Little heavier than their standard magnesium brakes because they’re a bit bigger.

2012 trp 84mm mini v-brake for use with sram levers

TRP says the 2010/11 ‘cross season was first season they sold more of their Mini V-Brakes than canti’s. This new 84mm size is designed to work better with SRAM levers and will be available this summer, $129/set F+R. In case you’re wondering, 102mm is MTB and 90mm is standard cyclocross size, with the number referring to the arm length. Of course, you can mix and match…the new Felt FX2 had the 84 on the rear, 90 on the front.

trp parabox cable-to-hydraulic road disc brake converter adaptor trp parabox cable-to-hydraulic road disc brake converter adaptor

The TRP Parabox is a mechanical to hydraulic converter, and it’s likely to be a common site over the next couple years as the big manufacturers come around to developing a brake/shift hydraulic lever. In our opinion, it could be more than a two year stop-gap as many people may simply upgrade to a disc-ready ‘cross or road frame and transfer their existing parts…making this a cheaper way to move to discs on their skinny-tire bikes.

trp parabox cable-to-hydraulic road disc brake converter adaptor

Will come as a complete system fully bled with calipers and rotors. Works with SRAM, Campy and Shimano and will have 140 and 160 rotor options. Claimed weight is 450g for the system for both wheels. It uses a similar rotor as their mountain bike rotors, and they’re just starting to offer the 140 size. The caliper is the same size/style the ones they’ve done for their city bike brakesets.

trp parabox cable-to-hydraulic road disc brake converter adaptor trp parabox cable-to-hydraulic road disc brake converter adaptor

Available in July, retail isn’t set but will be under $500. Needs 20mm space on the steerer tube.

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Gary
Gary
12 years ago

There is no such thing as a single speed brake lever. It is just a brake lever.

Tony
Tony
12 years ago

I’ve been running a set of TRP CX9 mini v-brakes for about 8 months now, they are superb. Very good stopping power – on and off road.

Scott
Scott
12 years ago

Next month they are releasing their new ultralight fixie brake levers.

Babel Coglioni
Babel Coglioni
7 years ago

I’m far more prone to cynicism than whimsy, but the shiny drillium TRP levers on my SS winter commuter work, and make me smile.

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