IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Shimano is introducing its first road hydraulic brake calipers that are compatible with the Flat Mount disk caliper mounting system it announced last year and which will be used on some 2016 model year bikes that will be hitting the market soon.
The two new Flat Mount calipers are technically not part of a group, but the BR-RS805 model is considered "Ultegra grade" and the BR-RS505 is considered "105 grade."
The low-profile calipers have One-Way bleeding and easy tool access. Both calipers use new pads that are not compatible with Shimano's mountain calipers.
In addition, Shimano is bringing out a 105-level hydraulic road lever with 11-speed mechanical shifting. The new ST-RS505 lever works with either of the new Flat Mount calipers as well as previous Shimano road disc calipers. The levers have reach and free-stroke adjustment and Vivid index shifting.
The new Flat Mount calipers are only compatible with Flat Mount frames and forks, but Shimano is making adapters available to use its traditional mount calipers on Flat Mount frames and forks.
New Tiagra
The new Tiagra group is 10-speed, with trickle down features including expanded gear ranges with 2x10 and 3x10 options, an 11-34 tooth cassette, new cranks, refined derailleurs and increased braking power.
The group will have a new GS rear derailleur option that is compatible with 34-tooth large cogs. The front derailleur is a high-leverage design with a braze-on support bolt for improved stability. The new Tiagra cranks have an offset 4-arm design with 3x10 and 2x10 gear options.
The redesigned group includes brakes said to offer 30 percent more power than previous version and drop-bar shifters that borrow ergonomic features from Shimano's recent 11-speed groups. The new Tiagra also has flat-bar shifter options.
New wheels
Wheel model WH- RX010 is Shimano's third performance road disc brake wheel set. It features Centerlock rotor mounting, 11-speed compatibility and a 23mm OD rim width. The wheels will retail for $300 per pair.