Following the release of Ultegra and 105 hydraulic disc brakes last year, today Shimano announced Tiagra-grade road hydraulic disc brakes to accompany its Tiagra 4700 10-speed group.
Related reading: Shimano updates Tiagra and introduces 105 hydraulic disc brakes
Shimano is typically conservative in its product offerings, catering to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) market first and foremost. This new product shows the strong demand for road disc brake bikes, especially at the entry-level.
The Shimano Tiagra disc brakes (BR-RS405) feature flat-mount hydraulic calipers and a 10-speed mechanical shift lever. Shimano SM-RT81 brake rotors with ‘Ice Technology’ for heat dissipation complete the system.
Exact details are scarce, but the new brakes look to use plenty of trickle-down technology and familiar ergonomics. Like the newly updated Tiagra mechanical-brake shifters, these also won’t offer gear indicators. The new brake levers are claimed to feature up to 10mm of lever reach adjustment.
Available in flat-mount style only (road-specific, bolts from beneath), the new calipers appear to use a standard non-finned brake pad. Like all Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, these will continue to use mineral oil. Helping with a relatively easy setup, these will also feature Shimano’s ‘Funnel bleed’ system.
Related reading: Shimano Sora mechanical disc brakes launched
The current road disc range from Shimano
With the recent announcement of Sora-grade mechanical road disc brakes, the new Tiagra-grade hydraulic options brings the count up to four options from Shimano. Shimano’s top-tier groupset, Dura-Ace, is now the obvious standout lacking a disc brake option, it’s something we’d bet our houses on to happen soon.
Pricing and weights are still to be announced, but expect to see these new brakes appearing on shelves and 2017 bikes from as early as July.