From the rumors desk we have a rumor circulating around the industry that a hydraulic brake compatible drop bar lever is in developement now. Fingers are currently pointing at SRAM as the company interested in this idea. My sources are telling me that SRAM is in cahoots with a brake designer in Taiwan and is having prototypes tested now.

Could we be seeing this with hydraulic brake guts in the future?

Why a hydraulic drop bar lever? Well, I believe there are several reasons for it. First off, there is a growing amount of interest in disc brakes for road bikes. However; currently available mechanical disc brakes are just way too heavy for most road cyclist to consider. If a hydraulic system can be developed that could approach the weight of an average road caliper, then the idea may find some merit amongst road cyclists.

Secondly, there is a growing interest in disc brakes for cyclo-cross and touring bikes. While UCI rules and field repairability may be reasons to avoid hydraulic brakes, I still think that this choice will find a home in many cyclists stables for these uses.

Finally, there is a growing interest in drop bars for off roading, be that on “monster cross” bikes or true mountain bikes. Obviously, the benefits of being able to shift and brake effectively with one lever is a great advantage over current set ups.

Certainly there will be lively debate about the merits for and against disc brakes on road bikes if these levers see the light of day. I have been told that by Interbike 2009, they will make an appearance, possibly before that. Stay tuned!