Giant Conduct Braking - Can we now have a triple and hydraulic discs?

[dragonrider]

I have just had a look at this new Giant System.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/condu ... nt-version

There is also another video of it on the Giant website.

From experience I know that hydraulic discs are a step change from any other braking systems but like many with creaking knees I need my triple to spin up the hills, and there is no such thing as an hydraulic triple sti. 531 Colin referred to this problem the other day in a post, but it seems that Giant may have by-passed the problem with this new system.

My sad experience with TRP HYRDs makes me reluctant to be an early purchaser as I would rather someone else did the R&D before me. Any thoughts, or has anyone tried them yet?

[Brucey]

it appears to be the same idea as the Hope V -twin, but neater, cheaper, and more specific to certain types of bike/handlebar only.



It probably works fine (as long as you have a stem faceplate (4x M5 bolts separated 40mm vertically and 22mm horizontally, clamping a 31.8mm dia bar) and a frame that is compatible), but if you want a proven system with good spares support, the Hope V-twin is probably a better bet.

A simpler solution to your dilemma might be to use a mechanical disc system but to outfit it with larger discs than normal.

cheers

[amediasatex]

A Clubmate of mine has this setup on one of his bikes, probably about 12months worth of use so far and no issues, but a sample of one isn't much...

[dragonrider]

Thanks for that Brucey. I had a good look at the Hope VTwin. It appears that the Giant system has 2 big advantages. Firstly it is half the price at £140, and secondly it looks a lot neater. I would have thought that the mounting could be changed on most bikes to make it compatible. I actually now have some very good BB7s on my Spa Elan. I think hydraulics will be a nice upgrade in due course. I will hope for some feedback on the Giant system before I jump.

[dragonrider]

A feedback of one is better than none. Many thanks.

[Valbrona]

Oh, no. TRP Parabox all over again.

[Brucey]

the parabox appears to have the exact same adjustment/inadvertent closure of the compensation port issues as the HyRd caliper. An example given here

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/cyclocross/parabox-vs-v-twin-279967.html

cheers

[busb]

Giant do a 1 1/8" stem & their 1 1/4" ones are supplied with shims - all of them for oversized bars though, IIRC. My own experience of cable-operated disc brakes is that they are cr*p & those I've spoken with who have them say they were great when new but need constant adjustment. The Giant solution looks like a good compromise - at least on paper.

[scottg]

Cable discs are for people who mastered the challenges cantilever brakes
and seek new realms of frustration and marginal braking.

Shimano XT hydros are very nice, very boring and lack the entertainment
value of HYRD, parabox and hydro rod brakes with carbon westwood rims.

[Valbrona]

Cable discs are for people who mastered the challenges cantilever brakes
and seek new realms of frustration and marginal braking.

Shimano XT hydros are very nice, very boring and lack the entertainment
value of HYRD, parabox and hydro rod brakes with carbon westwood rims.

But the point is ... you can't get triple shifters combined with hydro brakes.

I am exactly one of those people who uses a triple and has to use cable operated disc brakes.

[freeflow]

TRP HY/RD are excellent brakes. It's the setup that confuses most people as it seems wrong for cable brakes so in general the cables are overtightened

[Gattonero]

Oh, no. TRP Parabox all over again.

difficult to match with brake levers, often you get the wrong pull ratio and the master cyclinder won't top-up itself resulting in the brake levers going to the bars. Very fiddly bleeding.

In a nutshell: avoid.

[Bonefishblues]

Oh, no. TRP Parabox all over again.

A total bodge

EFA and brevity

[busb]

Cable discs are for people who mastered the challenges cantilever brakes
and seek new realms of frustration and marginal braking.

Shimano XT hydros are very nice, very boring and lack the entertainment
value of HYRD, parabox and hydro rod brakes with carbon westwood rims.

But the point is ... you can't get triple shifters combined with hydro brakes.

I am exactly one of those people who uses a triple and has to use cable operated disc brakes.

Not with drop bars, it seems. About 20 yrs ago, I got so fed up with neck ache, I ditched my drops & went with straight bars. I was amazed how much better the handling of my then Claud Butler was! It's not about handlebar height or reach but hand position being more natural with straights. Other riders said that you loose alternative hand positions (none of them that comfortable, IMO). If people really feel the need for another way of holding their straight bars, they can fit bar ends. The other advantage of straight bars is safety - the brake levers are instantly accessible & gear changing is easier.

I decided to revisit drops bars again last spring so now have a Giant Defy (double chainset, hydraulic discs) for fast summer/fair weather commuting & the occasional club ride, etc. It did take me a week to acclimatise to integrated brake/gear levers but it's not as comfortable as my Ridgeback Flight 3 (triple with hydraulic discs & narrow bars). I can also convert the Defy to straight bars (at a price) if I get fed up with drops. The choice of light fast bikes without drops was limited to heavier hybrids.

I can understand the use of drops for racing where a low flat-backed aero stance is going to be an advantage but for CX, Audax, touring & general use, I just don't get their prevalence - especially when you observe how rarely non-racers actually hold the drops rather than the hoods etc.

[Tiberius]

TRP HY/RD are excellent brakes. It's the setup that confuses most people as it seems wrong for cable brakes so in general the cables are overtightened

+1.....Completely agree.....