If there's one manufacturer that has truly embraced high end, it's Trickstuff! Through a lot of development work and attention to detail, brakes like Direttissima and Maxima have reached the peak of what's technically possible and have now gained an international reputation as the best brakes on the market. This premium brand produces small series with extremely meticulous quality control, crafting products for individuals and those seeking uncompromising solutions for their mountain bike. At their headquarter is located in Freiburg, besides brakes and their accessories, various thoughtfully designed little helpers are produced by hand to combine different standards - and if you're not ready to get a Trickstuff brake right away, you can also upgrade other brake models with tuning pads from Freiburg.
At Eurobike, the guys and gals from the Freiburg-based boutique brake manufacturer showcased 3D-printed brake lever prototypes made of titanium. These special components are now in production for the Piccola HD Titanium. The Trickstuff Piccola HD is already regarded as the ultimate among 4-piston brakes: The exceptionally lightweight, linear Piccola brake lever, combined with the legendary C42 brake caliper, provides maximum stopping power with minimal weight, all "Made in Freiburg." While the Piccola usually features a carbon lever, the indestructible titanium now withstands the harshest conditions on the trail. It not only looks fantastic but is also incredibly light: The Piccola HD Titanium levers weigh only 14.5 grams (including ball bearings).
Trickstuff brake pads in the test
Brake pads for Shimano STANDARD - SH011
Awesome pads - totally convinced!
I chose the Standard pads in the SH-011 version for my GRX810 on the gravel bike because I was looking for strong braking power and at the same time a long lifespan for the pads. The pads were quickly bedded in and immediately provided reliable stopping power on rougher trails, which builds confidence. Another important advantage: Compared to my previous pads with cooling fins, the difference in weight is significantly noticeable.
Brake pads for Shimano POWER - SH003
Noticably improves the XT brake
These pads definitely turn the XT brake into an even better one. The braking power is palpable in the fingers, the rough feeling in the brake lever is great and the modulability is excellent. Plus, there's hardly any noise development, even in wet conditions. Highly recommended. However, without cooling fins, they might be less suitable for super long descents for heavier riders.
Brake pads for SRAM POWER - SR-006
Reliable brakes for demanding Mountainbike events
I regularly participate in marathon and half-marathon MTB events, and after a few hours in the race, one can be mentally and physically a bit exhausted. That's why it's essential for me to be able to rely on my brakes, especially in these situations. The Trickstuff brake pads impress with their high braking power and excellent controllability, especially in wet and muddy conditions. I was also thrilled by the low noise development. While my original SRAM pads often became loud in wet conditions, the Trickstuff pads remained pleasantly quiet – exactly how it should be.
Brake pads for MAGURA POWER - MA-009
Impressive braking power and thoughtful construction
The pads bedded in very quickly, which suggests fast wear and thus a lot of power. Those looking for something long-term might be disappointed. The Power pads from Trickstuff don't promise too much: they truly deliver impressive braking power, as I noticed while riding at high speeds in the bike park.
Another plus is the significantly reduced noise development compared to the well-known noises from the Magura caliper.
A major advantage is that the pads are not split but come in one piece, similar to the MT5 pads. Why is this better? When braking, the pads press against the brake caliper in the direction of travel. So, when only one side needs to brace, more force can be exerted on the disc. This is a thoughtful detail by Trickstuff and makes a noticeable difference.
The combination of Magura's power and Trickstuff's thoughtful construction offers an excellent mix. I recommend these brake pads to anyone looking to get the maximum power out of their original brake.
Brake pads for HOPE POWER – HOPE RX4+
Even better than the original pads
The HOPE RX4+ is already an excellent upgrade over the SRAM Red brake. The original HOPE pads work perfectly, but Trickstuff takes it a step further. In the Red brake caliper, the pads from Germany performed better than the manufacturer's version, and it's the same here. The bite point is even more defined, no squeaking in the sunshine, and even my 90 kg are absolutely no challenge for the pads or brake.
Brake pads for Formula POWER – F0-002 & F0-004
Very powerful brake pads for more braking force!
I tested the Trickstuff brake pads with the Formula Cura 4 front and Formula Cura rear. I put them through their paces both during my daily commute and while trail riding in the Aachen forest.
The pads can be bedded in relatively quickly and offer a very direct, strong braking performance that is still easily controllable. The braking force is significantly stronger than that of the original Formula pads while maintaining the same handling. The price for this extremely good braking performance is the somewhat higher wear compared to "normal" pads. Overall, the pads are a great upgrade for the brake if you're looking for more braking power and wear is a secondary concern.
