What levers do you need for hydraulic brakes?

[grellboy]

Probably a really stupid question - most of mine are! - but am thinking about upgrading the brakes on my cyclocross bike from mechanical disc to hydraulic. Having a look on ebay etc., can find calipers easily enough, but wondered about what levers are compatible. I imagine standard levers aren't suitable.

 

[fossyant]

Nope, you need a matched pair more or less.

 

[Stompier]

Unless you went for a hybrid system like the TRP hy-rd, which will probably be compatible with your existing levers.

 

[vickster]

What mechanicals do you have? You could just get better calipers like Spyre or BB7?

Given how fugly hydraulic brifters are, I dont see as an upgrade unless you go for better looking Dura Ace

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Juin Tech R1get good reviews and don't look at daft as Hy-Rds.

Review - https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/08/03/juin-tech-r1-cable-hydraulic-brakes/

They come in many colours and flat mount too - https://www.edgesportsuk.com/store/components/disc-brakes.html

 

[Cycleops]

As said better mechanical calipers or a hybrid mech/hydraulic system would be more cost effective.

 

[ozboz]

I have a set of SLX levers and PM callipers that are virtually brand new that I changed on my MTB ( that I bought in September) for XT ones let me know if you are interested in them

 

[vickster]

I have a set of SLX levers and PM callipers that are virtually brand new that I changed on my MTB ( that I bought in September) for XT ones let me know if you are interested in them

I assume he has drop bars on a CX? Aren’t those for flat bars if from an MTB?

 

[robgul]

I too would suggest the hybrid cable operated hydraulic caliper option - "pure hydraulic" are the work of Satan in my book! - use existing levers and less to go wrong.

Rob