SRAM road disc callipers

Tech Tech Help
1

I have some early 11 speed sram force road disc brakes which are forever dragging and forcing me to faff about with them. Did any of the later callipers have wider tolerances? Is it worth swapping them for newer ones? Cheers

2

If budget allows, buy completely new groupset. The brake design in the lever is cursed, the seals swell in the DOT fluid, replacing the seals has a very short term result. You could go with shimano 11 sp levers and calipers and keep the rest.

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3

This is why I went to Growtac Equal mechanicals Rob. I was completely over my sram force hydros rubbing. Zero regrets. With shimanos leaking calipers and srams dragging I feel like I made the right choice.

4

I just put 12spd GRX (mechanical) on my bike, and the braking is worlds better. No dragging, even after hard braking efforts. Great modulation.

Beware that you can’t pair 12spd calipers with anything other than 12spd levers. As reported on a Geek Warning several months ago, Shimano redesigned the pistons.

Another option for 10/11spd: Campy calipers. I have one paired with an 11spd Shimano GRX left lever on the same bike mentioned above (I run my brakes moto style). Still my benchmark for braking. Works great. My shop set it up with a Campy hose, Shimano barb at the lever, and Magura fluid. Leonard Zinn mentioned it a few years ago.

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5

Also, I find that 11spd Shimano calipers are pretty good, but they have less space, and thus more dragging after hard braking.

I recommend against a Hope RX4 paired to your current SRAM, because the Hopes have even worse pad clearance. There is no way to avoid dragging.

6

That’s disappointing, its not uncommon to see that set-up!

7

In fact you can use the new calipers with older levers according to shimano compatibility chart and many positive experiences online.

8

I just came back from a ride with my GRX 820 calipers and Ultegra 11sp brifters.

9

For ease of reference, Shimano’s latest compatibility charts can be found at the link below;

Shimano Compatibility Chart (2025 - 2026)

Hydraulic systems compatibilities are on Page 45/128.

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