Development
The HINE-R braking system is currently under active development through a collaboration between Lee Hine and Adam Read. The project combines real-world workshop experience with mechanical design and rider testing to develop a braking system focused on performance, reliability and serviceability.
Development follows an iterative engineering process where concepts are designed, prototyped and evaluated before progressing towards production-ready components.
Concept Development
The development of the HINE-R braking system began by analysing the fundamental mechanics of hydraulic disc brake systems. Instead of replicating existing brake designs, the focus has been placed on understanding and refining the hydraulic principles that determine braking performance.
Early concept work examined several critical areas including:
- Hydraulic leverage ratios
- Caliper piston configuration
- Master cylinder sizing
- Piston seal behaviour
- System reliability under repeated braking loads
By studying these mechanical variables early in the process, the design can be built around balanced hydraulic performance rather than adapting existing architectures.
Design and Modelling
Mechanical concepts are first developed using computer-aided design (CAD) to define component geometry, hydraulic pathways and machining strategy.
This stage allows structural architecture and tolerances to be refined before physical components are produced, ensuring the design remains suitable for precision CNC manufacturing.
Prototype Manufacturing
Prototype components are produced to evaluate mechanical concepts and validate design assumptions before committing to full production machining.
Rapid prototyping methods used during development include:
- 3D printed functional prototypes
- Machined aluminium prototype components
- Assembly testing of hydraulic systems
These prototypes allow the design to be tested physically and refined through multiple iterations.
Workshop Evaluation
Prototype components are initially evaluated in a workshop environment where hydraulic behaviour, piston movement and seal performance can be closely observed.
This stage focuses on refining mechanical tolerances and ensuring the braking system behaves consistently during repeated actuation cycles.
Real-World Testing
Following workshop validation, prototype components are tested during real-world riding to evaluate braking stability, lever feel and system consistency under sustained braking loads.
Field testing provides essential feedback that allows the design to be refined further through successive prototype iterations.
Continuous Refinement
Development of the HINE-R braking system is an ongoing process. Each prototype iteration informs further adjustments to hydraulic balance, structural design and overall system reliability.
This iterative approach ensures that when the braking system reaches production stage it has already undergone extensive mechanical evaluation and real-world validation.
The People Behind HINE-R
HINE-R Engineering is a collaboration between:
Lee Hine
Founder of Gorilla Brakes specialising in hydraulic brake systems.
Adam Read
Mechanical engineer and product designer responsible for the engineering development of the HINE-R braking system. With a background at TartyBikes, Adam combines mechanical design expertise with practical workshop experience in bicycle component performance and servicing.
The project brings together hands-on workshop knowledge, mechanical design and rider testing to develop braking components focused on performance, reliability and serviceability.