Affordable Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes announced by Shimano

Shimano has expanded its hydraulic disc brake offering for road to its Tiagra groupset. This move makes the increasingly popular technology available at a lower price point than the 105 and Ultegra systems that are currently available. Designed with the flat-mount brake caliper and the mechanical hydraulic shift levers, the BR-RS405 is positioned above the Sora mechanical disc brakes and below the 105 road brake system already offered by Shimano.

Accompanying the brake caliper is the SM-RT81-S/SS 140-mm and 160-mm rotor featuring Shimano’s Ice Technology cooling system. It is designed to dissipate heat and provide consistent, powerful braking in all weather conditions. The 10-speed Tiagra groupset is controlled with the ST-RS405 mechanical hydraulic shift and brake lever, which has a smooth hood and enclosed mechanism. You can adjust the reach on the Vivid index-shifting system by as much as 10 mm.

For servicing and maintenance purposes, Shimano uses funnel bleeding technology already deployed by other Shimano hydraulic brake components. Pricing for the new system has not yet been released, but it’s expected to be below 105. The group will be available for aftermarket purchase in July 2016.