For owners of SRAM Hydro-R rim and disc brake shift/brake systems, there is a dedicated web address to keep consumers updated. You can also register to receive email updates. The most recent update came out this morning:
We would like to outline for you our replacement plan. The logistics of execution are being hammered out but are not complete. Our first priority is safety our second priority is to get you back out riding just as fast as we can with mechanical brakes, and then with the new generation of hydraulic as soon as it is ready.
Europe: Through the customer’s chosen Dealer, SRAM will provide a mechanical brake system to replace the customer’s hydraulic rim or disc brakes. SRAM also will provide to the customer an option of either receiving the new hydraulic braking system when the redesign is complete, or a cheque/check for EUR 150. SRAM will provide a fair labor cost cash reimbursement to the Dealer for all installs.
Asia: Through the customer’s chosen Dealer, SRAM will provide a mechanical rim or disc brake system to replace a customer’s hydraulic rim or disc brakes. SRAM also will provide to the customer an option of either receiving the new hydraulic braking system when the redesign is complete, or a cheque/check for US$ 200. SRAM will provide a fair labor cost reimbursement to the dealer for all installs.
North America: SRAM is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to finalize a comprehensive and approved solution. Here is what we can commit for customers as we work through this process: Through the customer’s chosen Dealer, SRAM will provide a mechanical rim or disc brake system to replace a customer’s hydraulic rim or disc brake system. SRAM will provide a fair labor cost cash reimbursement to the dealer for all installs. SRAM will provide a voucher for product or cash reimbursement in an amount to be determined between SRAM and the CPSC.
If you have Red22 Hydro, you’ll receive Red22 standard levers with either standard Red calipers or Avid BB7SL cable disc calipers, depending on whether you had rim or disc brakes. In a similar manner, if you have the 10sp S700 levers, you’ll get 10sp Force and either Force brakes or BB7S.
CPSC rules limit the language that SRAM can use with respect to North America, but reading between the lines it sounds as if SRAM is planning on providing the non-hydraulic replacments AND LATER either new, revised hydraulic systems or a cash compensation.
If that’s the case, consumers would actually be getting a lot of product even if there would be some short term inconvenience. It shows that SRAM really wants to keep their customers; I’m sure that this is going to be expensive for them. Since I already like SRAM road & mtb components, I’m going to sign up for the warrantee process and wait it out.