The Gram isn’t that light but it’s as tough and dependable as they come. The master cylinder uses the same overall design as the standard Stroker Trail, but with hollowed-out supports for the hooked carbon fibre lever blade.
You also get a purple anodised reach adjuster wheel and a white hose to show you’ve spent extra. At the brake end, titanium bolts clamp the two calliper halves together and aluminium-backed brake pads shave a few grammes – at over 400g it’s still not super-light though.
The lever feel is wooden and fine control is limited, which makes them an acquired taste in technical conditions, but we’ve run a set all year on a very high mileage bike and had no problems whatsoever. While power is average, it’s rare to find such a lightweight brake rated for a rotor up to 220mm.
It’s sold without rotor (£35) or mount (£15) to save duplication, but if you do need them they’re expensive. The pads last for ages though, which reduces running costs.
Also consider: Hayes Stroker Ace, £210, with its more powerful four-pot calliper.
