Brake upgrade for RW4

[TheOriginalCDub]

I?m looking to upgrade my brakes on my rad wagon 4. After 450+ miles I am convinced the stock brakes are a little unsafe and since I?ve always got my son on the back I think it?s time to upgrade.  Any recommendations? I don?t want to spend a fortune but given that it?s to help keep my kid safe I?m happy to make an investment. Thanks in advance.

[Onebuckz]

I installed hydraulic brakes on my Rad Mini and it's a night and day difference not so much on the braking power from what i can feel but on the ease of braking. It's reassuring to be able to hit the brakes even with one finger and focus on controlling the bike instead especially downhill. Although i do miss the integrated bell that i used to have with the old brakes and i was not able to find a version for hydraulic ones.

[Wasatch]

After a week of riding our RW up and down the hills of SLC, I knew that the mechanical discs weren't going to cut it. I purchased a set of Area 13 fully hydraulic brakes, and the difference is night and day. Easier lever pull, better modulation, and much improved stopping power. Plus, the anodized calipers look pretty sweet.

I had mine installed by VeloFix, since you have to route the rear brake cable through the frame, which requires bleeding.

Unfortunately, it looks like they raised their prices by $50 since the time I bought them two weeks ago. Even at $199 I think they're a great deal.

https://www.area13ebikes.com/collections/brakes/products/area13hydraulicbrakes

[TheOriginalCDub]

Thanks for the tip!  Did you lose the connectivity to the brake light and battery? 

After a week of riding our RW up and down the hills of SLC, I knew that the mechanical discs weren't going to cut it. I purchased a set of Area 13 fully hydraulic brakes, and the difference is night and day. Easier lever pull, better modulation, and much improved stopping power. Plus, the anodized calipers look pretty sweet.

I had mine installed by VeloFix, since you have to route the rear brake cable through the frame, which requires bleeding.

Unfortunately, it looks like they raised their prices by $50 since the time I bought them two weeks ago. Even at $199 I think they're a great deal.

https://www.area13ebikes.com/collections/brakes/products/area13hydraulicbrakes

[Wasatch]

Nope. That set I linked is specifically for e-bikes and has the motor cutoff/brake light connector.

Thanks for the tip!  Did you lose the connectivity to the brake light and battery? 

After a week of riding our RW up and down the hills of SLC, I knew that the mechanical discs weren't going to cut it. I purchased a set of Area 13 fully hydraulic brakes, and the difference is night and day. Easier lever pull, better modulation, and much improved stopping power. Plus, the anodized calipers look pretty sweet.

I had mine installed by VeloFix, since you have to route the rear brake cable through the frame, which requires bleeding.

Unfortunately, it looks like they raised their prices by $50 since the time I bought them two weeks ago. Even at $199 I think they're a great deal.

https://www.area13ebikes.com/collections/brakes/products/area13hydraulicbrakes

[Hugh]

These are cable actuated hydraulic brakes that allow you to use the stock brake levers:  https://www.alamedabicycle.com/product/trp-hy-rd-394672-1.htm?variations=3854379,3854380,3854382?utm_source=google%20shopping&utm_medium=organic&gclid=CjwKCAjwu5yYBhAjEiwAKXk_eAWDVqc_X_UTuUqYDdi39ml3Z5Y1ynR5LKc0z7GP_LX7NdnXDV5GBhoCe0AQAvD_BwE