The Juin Tech GT-F is a cable-actuated four-piston hybrid hydraulic disc brake caliper that offers strong stopping power and easier maintenance than full hydraulic systems, making it a popular choice for road and gravel bikes with mechanical groupsets. However, it demands careful cable routing, is limited to a 160mm rear rotor, and can be noisy in wet conditions. While it performs well in most situations, heat buildup on long descents and compatibility issues with some frames are notable drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent stopping power, comparable to full hydraulic brakes like Shimano Ultegra.1
- Lighter weight than full hydraulic systems, especially when paired with mechanical shifters.1
- Easier to adjust and maintain than full hydraulic brakes, with no bleeding required.1
- Good modulation and lever feel, with adjustable pad clearance to reduce rub.1
- Compatible with any mechanical groupset (Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo).1
- Four pistons provide better braking performance than the two-piston F1, with a sharper and tighter braking feel.2
- Better thermal management due to larger brake pads.2
- Improved cable routing compared to previous F1 model, reducing cable bend.1
- Quiet operation in dry conditions.1
- Stock pads perform well in dry conditions and are often praised.1
Cons
- Requires more lever effort than full hydraulic brakes.1
- Can be very noisy in wet conditions (squealing/howling).1
- Rear caliper only works with 160mm rotors, limiting frame compatibility.1
- Cable routing can be challenging on internally routed frames, causing drag and poor performance.1
- Stock pads wear quickly in wet, gritty conditions.1
- Heat buildup on long descents can cause brake drag or lockup due to closed hydraulic system.1
- Some frames have clearance issues with the rear caliper, especially with dropped seatstays.1
- More expensive than the F1 and still not as powerful as the GT-F6.2
- Stock brake pad compound is not ideal (cold bite is poor).2
Key Facts
- Four-piston hybrid hydraulic caliper (cable-actuated), flat mount standard, rear caliper designed for 160mm rotor only; front caliper uses an adapter for 160mm rotor and can potentially use 180mm with a different adapter.1
- Uses mineral oil in a closed system (no reservoir) and is compatible with Shimano Saint/Zee style brake pads (M06/M07).1
- Identical master cylinder and actuation arms to the F1 and GT-F6 models; marketed with a stopping power rating of 7 (compared to F1's 6 and GT-F6's 9).2
- Larger brake pads than the F1, providing better thermal management.2
- Recommended cable housing: compressionless (Jagwire Pro, TRP, Yokozuna); requires at least 14-15cm of cable exit distance from dropout for proper routing.1
- Lighter weight than full hydraulic equivalents, but exact weight not specified.1
Reviews & Ratings
19:35The Juin Tech GT-F Hybrid Hydraulic 4-Piston Flat Mount Disc Brake is discussed as part of a comparison between three Juin Tech calipers (F1, GT-F, and GT-F6). The reviewer mentions that the GT-F is a decent upgrade from the F1, featuring four pistons instead of two, and slightly larger brake pads. They note that the GT-F feels sharper and tighter in braking performance compared to the F1, but still falls short of the GT-F6's performance. The reviewer also points out that the GT-F is more expensive than the F1 but offers better thermal management and stopping power.
The Juin Tech GT-F is a cable-actuated hydraulic disc brake caliper with four pistons, designed for road and gravel bikes. It offers performance close to full hydraulic systems, with easy installation and maintenance, and is compatible with mechanical groupsets. Users report strong stopping power, good modulation, and lighter weight than some hydraulic setups. However, it requires careful cable routing, especially on internally routed frames, and can be noisy in wet conditions. It is only compatible with 160mm rotors at the rear and requires specific adapters for some frames.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent stopping power, comparable to full hydraulic brakes like Shimano Ultegra
- Lighter weight than full hydraulic systems, especially when paired with mechanical shifters
- Easier to adjust and maintain than full hydraulic brakes, with no bleeding required
more pros in the review
Cons
- Requires more lever effort than full hydraulic brakes
- Can be very noisy in wet conditions (squealing/howling)
- Rear caliper only works with 160mm rotors, limiting frame compatibility
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Four-piston hybrid hydraulic caliper (cable-actuated)
- Flat mount standard, rear caliper designed for 160mm rotor only
- Front caliper uses an adapter for 160mm rotor; can potentially use 180mm with different adapter
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
Juin Tech GT-F Hybrid Hydraulic 4-Piston Flat Mount Disc Brake Road Bike Disc Brake Caliper Ultralight Bicycle Disc Brake Set
Questions about Juin Tech GT-F Hybrid Hydraulic 4-Piston Flat Mount Disc Brake Road Bike Disc Brake Caliper Ultralight Bicycle Disc Brake Set
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