Hayes Stroker - Ryde Review

I have a set of Hayes Stroker Ryde disc brakes on my commuting/fun bike at the moment. I was pretty keen to see how these performed, because, despite my many years in MTB I have never actually had Hayes Disc Brakes. And since Hayes has been a stalwart of MTB braking it is definitely high time for me to give them the proverbial stroke. 

Over the last few months there have been a few brake sets adorning my handlebars. Some definitely better than others. And I can tell you that price and marketing do not always buy the best brakes. 

The Ryde is the lowest end of the Stroker range. And my research on the net cannot seem to answer some basic questions that I have. From what I can the Ryde seems to have the same features as the other 2 models; the Trail and the Carbon. Obviously, the Ryde is heavier. The Trail has an externally operated lever reach adjustment, which it shares with the Carbon. The Carbon has a carbon lever. As for the body and caliper, your guess is as good as mine, I think they are all the same except for the lever. 

So how do they perform? In short; “very well”. I actually find it hard to believe that they are so reasonably priced. The marketing gumf will tell you that they have larger pads for a bigger contact point to improve braking. And they do brake very well. Almost too well! I find them quite bitey and for me they don’t offer the modulation that I am used to from Shimano brakes. But they modulate way better than Avid. The lever has a very good feel. It is wide, and for someone with bigger hands, this is confidence inspiring. 

So far I have had no problems at all. I have heard reports that the levers become loose. But at this time mine are still prefect.  

The only thing I have found is there seems to be a lack of information available. For example: they claim a tool free pad replacement. Firstly I can clearly see and allen bolt through top of the pad, and secondly I cannot download a manual from their site to find out how to replace the pads. I will experiment with this in good time when the pads need replacing. My brakes are a sample from the Ride-On in Taiwan so I didn’t receive a manual. I would assume that they normally ship with one.

The second potential issue I see is when you need to bleed the system. I am really not sure how you would do this with the side mounted oil bath opening? 

Hayes Stroker disc brakes
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