TriRig’s new Omega X brake aims to improve on the original’s powerful stopping performance and aero benefit via a few important tweaks.
When it comes to braking on TT bikes, we’re generally limited to front-mounted models from the likes of Shimano or SRAM, or fork-integrated proprietary units.
The former offer superb performance, but add drag. The latter are hidden from the wind but are notoriously difficult to set up and often patchy when it comes to actually stopping you.
If you want the practicality of a front-mounted brake, but don’t want to suffer too much in the aerodynamic stakes, the TriRig Omega X (US$185 / approx £125 / AU$240) could be the answer. The original Omega has been used by pro riders in the Tour de France as well as by legions of triathletes including Ironman champions.
The Omega X is a completely redesigned brake that improves practicality and performance compared with the old model. The brake uses a clever wedge system that, when pulled upwards, engages the sidearm levers to move the pads to the wheel rim. The geometry of these has changed for the Omega X, promising better modulation and stopping power thanks to the brake pulling more cable than before. A new spring on the back helps the brake to return quickly to the open position and also keeps the brake compact.
Installation of the Omega X is easier than with the original brake. A plastic – rather than bolt-on – faceplate is held in place by magnets and acts as a fairing to hide the mechanism inside, both from the wind and from road grime. The brake also comes with mounting plates to allow quick installation on direct-mount forks.
Setup is aided by independent pad adjustment thanks to grub screws on each arm (alloy-friendly Kool-Stop salmon pads come standard). At their maximum spread, the arms offer accommodation for rims up to 32mm wide.
Weight is an impressively low 129g including shoes and pads, 5g short of the 134g claim, but 7g more than the previous model. That's still about 20g lighter than a Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 caliper.
If it lives up to the reputation of the original brake, it could by the must-have aero upgrade your TT bike’s been waiting for.
We’ll be putting the TriRig Omega X to the test soon. Check out the whole new TriRig X-series and find out more at www.tririg.com.