Trickstuff Piccola Disc Brake Set

Pressure-resistant POM Pump Pistons

POM plastic is pressure-stable, with excellent wear resistant and sliding properties that won't change over time, making it the perfect material for Trickstuff's pump pistons. These move easily through the anodised piston track, facilitating the smooth motion of the whole mechanism.

Ball bearing brake levers

Trickstuff's lightweight levers use four bearings, two in the main pivot and two for the connecting rod, to achieve as little friction as possible during lever pull. The ball bearings prevent radial lever play, while a tiny POM plastic ball, clamped in the barrel nut, prevents axial play. The result of minimised shift is increased braking precision and a predictive development of force.

Brake hoses

The bite point of any brake is influenced by the pressure stiffness of its hose, which is why all Trickstuff brake sets use highly pressure resistant hoses. Most use super light Kevlar hoses, which can withstand a maximum pressure of 630 bar, while the Maxima brake set uses the stiff, braided Goodridge steel flex hose, which can withstand pressures up to 1350 bar.

Bionol as a brake fluid

Trickstuff's brakes are powered by Bionol, an eco-friendly brake fluid made from vegetable oil, as standard. Bionol's low viscosity lets it flow easily through the system, facilitating smooth running, while its high dry boiling point (of between 360-420°C) ensures consistent stopping power on long descents and reduced susceptibility to performance changes at low temperatures.

Linear power transmission

With linear power transmission, braking force is transmitted proportionally from the brake lever to the system, which means that as soon as the pressure point is reached, the brake develops its full braking effect. This then increases steadily and predictably as the finger lever is depressed with more force, which means the rider rapidly gets used to the feeling of the brakes and adjusting the force at will.

Anodised 7075 aluminium

The quality, high tensile, milled-CNC 7075 aluminium used in Trickstuff's pump and calliper housings is already strong enough to be used in the aircraft industry, but anodising it adds scratch and corrosion resistance. Anodising and polishing the piston track, especially, adds strength while decreasing friction, leading to consistent running of the mechanism.

Ergonomic brake levers

Shaped to fit your braking finger comfortably, Trickstuff's levers feature individual reach adjustment, so they can be adapted to suit personal preferences and varying hand sizes. The result is safe, precise braking control every time.

Stiffness & construction of brake callipers

A stiff brake calliper facilitates crisp and decisive braking, with a clear bite point, and Trickstuff's own two-piece callipers are finely tuned to match their intended use.

The bite point consistency also depends on the rollback behaviour of the calliper pistons. Trickstuff's pistons are made with tight manufacturing tolerances, so they return evenly, and they're designed for short piston rollback. They're therefore less likely to be overworked and lock during fast braking, ensuring braking action is modulated and will feel the same each time you pull the lever.

Hollow stainless steel pistons

Light and hollow, the stainless steel pistons in Trickstuff's brake calliper substantially contribute to heat management within the brake set, due to the low thermal conductivity of both the steel and the air cushion within each piston. Their cylindrical design also minimises the contact area between the pistons and the brake pads, in turn minimising heat buildup.

Hydraulic Transmission Ratio

Hydraulic transmission ratio determines the force transmitted to the brake pads and is defined by the ratio of the piston surfaces of the pump piston to the calliper pistons. The higher the ratio, the greater the braking force with the same input.

Trickstuff brakes use a 9mm pump piston rather than the standard 10mm model, which generates a higher hydraulic transmission ratio. Meanwhile, the size and number of calliper pistons varies with brake model and intended use.

Mechanical transmission ratio

The mechanical transmission ratio describes the power transmission from the brake lever to the brake pump. Trickstuff's levers and pumps are tailored for different applications and different braking experience preferences, and accordingly, braking force may be transmitted either linearly or progressively.

Knee lever effect and progressive power transmission

A knee lever is a joint that connects two levers, with the effect of delivering a transmission ratio dependent on travel, rather than linear transmission. This means that pulling the lever harder results in an increased transmission ratio and a progressively rising braking force. A rider can therefore choose whether to slow down gently or rapidly, depending on the situation.

Less input force is required overall to operate a lever with a knee joint, due to its kinematics, which means less energy is needed when tackling a long descent or braking frequently and forcefully. There will therefore be less chance of cramping or arm fatigue.