Any question answered...

SRAM are rumoured to be working on hydraulic discs for road levers for cyclocross, Shimano's plans are unknown but it wouldn't surprise me if they aren't doing the same.

What I don't understand is why it needed the UCI to lift the ban on disc brakes in cyclocross for these innovations to start. The majority of cyclocross bikes that are sold are used by commuters and casual riders, with only a small percentage ever being raced, so the market was already there.

I dont know why one of the smaller brake companies dont bring out a hydrolic lever which fits on drops. As well as the popularity of drops in the SS off-roading world (I'd have some on my SS 29er in a flash). There are more and more 'utility' style bikes coming out with disc mounts (ie. Salsa Vaya, Singular Peregrine etc.). Half of which will likely be built up with separate levers. I'd love to go drops+hydrolics on the workhorse bike, while keeping my bar-end shifters to MTN drivechain set-up.

So I alone would rush out and buy 2 sets of levers. So it cant be that much of a niche product, or am I just weird*.

(*dont answer that)