Bicycle spy pictures are sort of like photographs of Bigfoot generally. It seems like one thing is likely to be there, however the picture is blurry and darkish making you query what you’re actually seeing. However with some modifying in Lightroom, generally extra element involves mild.

This picture was despatched to us by a reader (thanks Ben!) who states, “I used to be out driving within the Forest of Dean [during the] weekend with my mates, and noticed a man driving with some strange-ass brakes. I couldn’t see cables operating as much as the bar. I attempted to get a fast picture, however this was all I may handle.”

Replace Under

Is that this a wi-fi mountain bike disc brake?

As a result of angle of the {photograph}, there’s no manner of claiming for positive, however Ben claims that he couldn’t see any hoses or wires from the brake to the bar. It’s attainable the bike was operating inner cables on the bar via the stem, however then we’d count on to see the entrance brake hose exit from the underside of the crown.

That’s a fairly large system mounted across the space of the entrance brake, which signifies it’s greater than only a brake caliper.

If it’s not a wi-fi brake system, what’s it?

From the picture, it seems that there’s a mild on the system indicating that it has some type of electronics inside. Exterior of a wi-fi brake system, this may very well be a couple of issues: like an ABS brake system or a knowledge acquisition system monitoring the efficiency of the brake. Each of those units would nonetheless want a brake hose to the lever, so until the hose is simply hidden by the angle of the picture, it nonetheless appears attainable that it is some type of wi-fi system.

May it occur?

We’ve heard rumors over the previous few years that counsel wi-fi brakes aren’t fully out of the query. Whereas our emotions on the matter are combined, what we’re seeing on this picture leads us to consider they’re nonetheless a methods off. Right here’s why:

The system is huge and would require not simply electronics and a pump, but in addition a battery, all of which add weight. Contemplating the brakes are at all times on the furthest finish of the unsprung mass, that additional weight may negatively have an effect on suspension efficiency as nicely. It additionally looks as if it’s placing some critically essential gear in a extremely weak spot.

Why Although?

Say it is a wi-fi MTB disc brake system – why would anybody need that? We will already hear the chants of a ‘resolution in quest of an issue,’ however there could also be some actual advantages to a wi-fi brake system. With out the necessity for a steady hydraulic system from the lever to the caliper, brake levers would not have to be hydraulic themselves. As an alternative, you possibly can merely have an digital button on the lever or the same brake lever form that actuated a button. This looks as if it may gain advantage the adaptive bike neighborhood for riders who can’t use a standard brake lever.

By way of ebike use, if there have been small wires resulting in the system that will remove the necessity for batteries on the brake calipers which ought to make the system lighter. That might additionally open the potential for integration of ABS programs as nicely.

There’s additionally the aesthetics of getting a cable or hose-free setup on the handlebar. Presently, it looks as if that will be a tradeoff between a way more cluttered space by the caliper, however it will imply the absence of cables and hoses with out having to route something via the headset.

Because of Ben for the tip!

Replace: It’s wi-fi!