The Stroker Trail brake is a very popular original equipment choice on complete bikes, and a solid if numb all-rounder.
Some extra metal in the master cylinder adds 50g over the Stroker Gram, but it's still competitive for its class and weight. The flip-flop split clamp lever makes it easy to set up, and Hayes deserve credit for pioneering and sticking to the post mount standard that everyone shunned for years, but have since adopted.
The long, curved lever has an embedded reach adjuster but it feels wooden and blunt, with slight lever wobble and rattle, and there’s no bite point adjuster. Actual braking performance and modulation is average in the dry but ranks higher in wet or cool conditions.
Where Hayes always score well is their dependable, predictable and reliable nature, and these Strokers are proving no different. Their weight is okay, too. The Stroker Ace's separate bracket (£14.99) and rotor (£34.99) add buying flexibility, but they’re expensive. The big pads last really well, making the Stroker Trail a great brake for those who prefer fit-and-forget over subtle finesse.
Dry brake test graph
Dry brake test graph for all brakes tested
Wet brake test graph
Wet brake test graph for all brakes tested
