Spotted: SRAM Red hydraulic discs win CXLA

For months, we've spotted them hidden in the back of trucks, in blurry cell phone shots, and as digital mockups. More recently, we saw a set close up, but under the watchfull eye of a SRAM employee who kept us at bay.

Finally, SRAM has lifted the curtain. Tim Johnson rode a set of the upcoming SRAM Red hydraulic road/cross discs to victory at CXLA over the weekend, and VeloNews photographer Wil Matthews was on hand to document.

An official launch is slated for mid-spring, and until then SRAM isn't commenting. We know they'll likely be called "HydroR," the label currently molded into the top of the tall hoods. We know Jeremy Powers also has a set, but hasn't raced on them yet. We also know that the calipers have been in development for quite some time, as we spotted a disguised version on Todd Wells' Olympic mountain bike, with mountain levers. From that, we can assume the calipers are lighter than SRAM's top mountain offerings.

The tall horn hoods hold the master cylinder, and the bleed port sits atop the horn. They are bled just like other Avid hydraulic discs.

For complete specs, we'll just have to wait. Photo: Wil Matthews

Quite a handle to hold on to. SRAM won't say whether this is the final version, but it must be close. An official launch is expected mid-spring, likely around the Sea Otter Classic. Photo: Wil Matthews

Tim Johnson leads Todd Wells, who we believe tested the calipers on his mountain bike over the summer. Photo: Wil Matthews

The hoods say HydroR. Photo: Wil Matthews

The tall horns may be an advantage in ’cross, but they would be a bit unsightly on a road bike. Photo: Wil Matthews

The master cylinder and reservoir of the SRAM Red hydraulic brake. Mechanics were spotted bleeding the system earlier in the day —” the master cylinder apparently resides in the large, bulbous hood, and the bleed port sits on the very top of the horn. Bleeding appeared to follow the same process as with any of Avid's hydraulic disc brakes. Photo: Wil Matthews

The SRAM Red hydraulic brake caliper on the front of Tim Johnson's Cannondale. We spotted these very same calipers on the Olympic mountain bike of Todd Wells this summer, but didn't know where they would end up at the time. The calipers must be lighter than SRAM's top-end mountain brakes for Wells to select them for the Olympics. Photo: Wil Matthews

Johnson is running his HydroR brakes with 140mm front and rear rotors. Photo: Wil Matthews

The SRAM Red hydraulic brakes in disguise aboard Todd Wells' Olympic bike. Wells was obviously using regular mountain levers, suggesting that the calipers may be compatible with both. Photo: Caley Fretz | VeloNews.com

The rear SRAM Red hydraulic brake caliper on Tim Johnson's Cannondale. Photo: Wil Matthews

Cannondale-cyclocrossworld.com team manager Stu Thorne looks over Tim Johnson's bike before the start of the elite men's race. Photo: Wil Matthews