Hayes Stroker
We’ve been using the Hayes Strokers for a month and got to use them several times at the dirt demo. Man, what a treat!!
Power, modulation, looks, lever feel, value… check, check check!
The brakes look sleek and are available in white or with carbon levers. The lever shape and action is our current favorite, along with the new Shimano XT and XTRs. The high pivot seems to deliver a natural action as you drive the lever into the handlebar. There is barely any pivot slop and the feel is firm once you get pad contact.
The reach adjustment is the easiest to use that we’ve ever seen. The blue knob is so easy to access that even mid-ride adjustments are practical.
And most important, power and modulation are very good. The power is excellent and their 6″ rotor performance is better than 7″ rotors from other brands. One of the reasons behind this is Hayes increased the width of the rotor and the pad and increased surface area by 20%. It’s easy to control the power too as the brakes modulate well with little vibration and noise.
The metallic pads they use are very powerful and are fairly quiet. When they get dusty, they make a bit of grinding noises. Softer, quieter pads will be available later according to Hayes.
And finally, the brakes are affordable at $360 MSRP for a full set.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:28 am
It is funny to hear you guys rave about them. I’ve read a few other not so great reviews on them. 2 main gripes A) they are either on or off - modulation sucked B) they squealed like no tomorrow.
September 26th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
I’ve only seen one bad review on them - all others have been good. I like the design myself. My 2007 Juicy 7 rear brake howls like a monkey……
September 26th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
“It is funny to hear you guys rave about them. I’ve read a few other not so great reviews on them. 2 main gripes A) they are either on or off - modulation sucked B) they squealed like no tomorrow.”
In the sandy, dusty desert, all the brakes I used squeaked a bit. Also, the high power of the brakes might lead some to conclude they’re hard to modulate.
I’ve been using them for a month in Norcal and they have been A+ as I stated above.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:44 am
All right listen up boys (and girls). I’ve personally tested the Hayes Stroker brakes and boy do they work, yes maybe a bit touchy, but after my 4 laps at this year’s 24-9 I (with the help of 3 team mates) rolled in 1st place in our fat-ass class.
Sure you may think it was the bike the rider etc… but it was the Stokers’ great feel and excellent power!!!! Oh and by the way if any one asks how I got my hands on a set back in July I’m not talking.
Jeffro, Team Sussess Video
( Yes the XXX kind)