When I built up my new custom gravel bike, I used my year old SRAM eTap wifli gear set and cable actuated brake levers. Rather than spend over $ 1,100 for the SRAM eTap hydraulic brake levers and calipers, I chose TRP Spyre mechanical calipers. Over the last 10 months, I've found the Spyr's OK -- but less than optimal. I read this review of the Yokozuna Motoko recently: http://road.cc/content/review/225573-yokozuna-motoko-disc-brake
I shopped and found these on Amazon for about $100 per caliper. As promised in the review, they were very easy to install and adjust. I even used my old brake cables, rather than cut and install the special cables supplied by Yokozuna. Despite using my old cables and housing, the brakes work much better than my Spyr's. I'm very pleased with their performance so far; and doubt that I will have to upgrade to a fully hydraulic system. As far as I can tell, based on my limited experience, these offer many benefits of hydraulic brakes; without the expense and hassle of a fully hydraulic system.
owly wrote:That's the same caliper as the Juin Tech R1, which they've recently modified/updated to the X1 model.
Same as you; they do the job fine when setup with compressionless housing.
Yes - the re-branding is a common practice mentioned in the review. I have a later model which doesn't have the barrel adjuster at the end of the outer cable to take out cable slack. There is more than enough travel in the actuator thumb screw to both take out any cable slack as well as to fine tune the feel and timing of brake engagement. This makes both the installation and adjustment of the calipers hassle free. The review compared the Motoko's to the TRP HY/RD's, not to a full hydraulic system. I'd be interested in your opinion about how these would stack up against a fully hydraulic brake system? One point mentioned in the review was the lack of a flat mount version. Are you aware of a flat mount version? BTW, my $100 caliper kits included 160 mm rotors (6 bolt) and Yokozuna compression free cable sets. I didn't need the rotors, but I can use them on my wife's bike should I decide to upgrade her rear brake from 140 to 160. On the next rainy day, when I have some time, I'll replace the old cable set on my front brake with the Yokozuna's. My rear brake cable is one continuous piece that runs through the top tube. I'm not sure if the heavier Yokozuna cable will fit. But, my old cable seems to be working well. Any suggestions on how to cut and install the Yokozuna's?
