The Stroker Trail and Carbon were already tremendously capable across a range of applications, but we knew we could make an even better brake for weight-obsessed cross-country racers and pedal-up/ pedal-down all-mountain types. The result is the Stroker Gram. What sets the Gram apart from all the other models in the Stroker family is the removal of non-structural material from the master cylinder (confirmed by finite element analysis), leaving behind a form that is as strong as it is sexy. We've also dressed up both the master cylinder and the caliper in titanium hardware, and thrown in our lightweight aluminum-backed pads. Sure, there are lighter brakes out there, but none match the Stroker Gram's combination of weight, power, modulation, serviceability, durability, and value.
Available Rotor Sizes: 140 (rear-only), 160, 180, 203, 224 (mm)
Submitted by
fusedmaniac
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitby, Ontario Date Reviewed: October 12, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good modulation, lots of bite when your deep in the stroke. fairly light but there's lighter out there (then again for what I paid beggers cant be choosers).
Weaknesses:
none so far, I've only got 4 rides on them though. If they perform anything near as well as my stroker trails (and so far they have) then I cant see any future problems.
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Stroker Trail, Hayes 9, Avid Juicy 5.
Bike Setup:
Norco Fireball frame setup in a 1x9 configuration, Shimano Saint shifter, XT cranks, XTR rear der, E.13 LG1+ chain guide Sram PG990 cassette in mango orange and of course Hayes Stroker Grams.
Bottom Line:
These brakes are great! Very similar feel to my Hayes Stroker Trails and I love those brakes. The Grams do have a lot of lever pull before you totally lock up the wheels (I believe this is due to the shape of the master cylinder) but, that gives them a very controllable feel and your modulation is not all within a few millimeters of lever pull. If your looking for a binary "On, off" feel to your brakes then these aren't for you, I'd check out some of Avids offerings if thats what your into. However if your looking for a lightweight brake with loads of power and no fade on those long downhill sections (and if your wallet is deep enough to pay full retail) then check out the Stroker Grams. If money is an issue or you just don't want to fork over almost 800 dollars for brakes then the Stroker Trail is probably a better brake for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BunnV
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherman Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wendy in Aguora
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Pre-bled at the factory. Very easy to install and set up. Very progressive feel at the lever. Great initial bite without being grabby. Easy to adjust lever position. Look nice. Light weight. Subtle graphics and no red (it seems like every manufacturer has to put red colored graphics on all their parts. My bike is orange. Orange and red clash).
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Nine
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo SX. Hayes Stroker Grams, USE Atom carbon bars
Bottom Line:
My Hayes Nine's were the first disc brakes I ever owned. Previously I always used V Brakes. The Nines had good power and were reliable but I never liked the way the felt. Too much lever play before the brakes engaged, even when properly bled and with fresh pads. The Strokers have no such issues. From the moment I pull the lever back even a tiny amount the brakes respond. The harder I pull the stronger they bite. They feel like you would expect brakes to feel and not like an on/off switch. Plus, they knocked almost 200 grams of weight off my bike compared to the Nines. They look cool too.
I know Hayes has a bad rep recently because of products like the Nines but these Strokers should change peoples opinion of Hayes. They changed mine. The price was right too compared to Formula F1's. Today on the downhill section of Backbone trail (heading towards Palisades) I did a lot of braking. The Strokers did not pump up, over heat or squeal. Just strong consistent braking all the way down. I use 160mm rotors front and rear and weigh 160 pounds. My Mojo weighs 27.6 pounds. I highly recommend these brakes for trail riders similar to myself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DavidNeiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: May 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Good
Strengths:
Great power and modulation. Light and Carbonfiber ofcourse. Good feeling levers
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Stroker Trails, Old generation Hayes
Bike Setup:
2009 Diamondback Sortie Black stock
Bottom Line:
Great brake system and super good feel. Setup easy and feel great out of the box. Buy em!! Great looking and great feeling levers. Hayes makes great brakes, I've run em on most of my bikes over the years since my 98 homegrown 4 banger!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Picco-so
a Racer
from The Belle City, WI Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pets
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very powerful brakes at a great weight and price. Backed by a great company.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hayes Strokers, XTR's
Bike Setup:
Hardtail racer
Bottom Line:
These brakes were perfect right out of the box (that came with a complete bleed kit in each BTW). I've heard that they require a break in period and I think that they were flawless ever since they were installed. I highly recommend them to all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountain_bomber156
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: February 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Are you kidding?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$520.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Carbon! Pretty light, good power, nice match for my Tracer
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
