chrisclarkwhistler1

Best brakes I've ever owned, hands down, in 20yrs of wrenching and owning disc brakes. And I do have both Piccola and Direttisima. They're powerful af, have great modulation, consistent bite point, and have been 99.9% reliable for more than a few years now. Yes, I spent more on brakes than I did on my truck, but I got so sick of sticky pistons, blown mc's, wandering bite points, and just generally shit-powered brakes that annoyed me. Dropped my pants and spent my life savings and waited a year for them, and don't regret it at all. Yes, they can be finicky to bleed, and a bit more delicate to work with. Zero consistency in hardware fittings (1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, T15, T25, all on one brake!). No dust seal on MC pushrod leads to dirt and wear in lever body (a la Sram, Shimano). But those are small servicing details and have never left me stranded on the trail. Email requests for service parts and assistance from customer service have always been quick and helpful, never dismissive or condescending like some brands. Yep it takes a week for shipping to Canada, but I've survived so far. I just got a set of Hayes Dominion T4's as forums claimed 'Trickstuff-level' power. Disappointing so far. More arm pump and fatigue, and even with bigger rotors. Firmer bite point, less modulation. Direttissima has a firmer feel than Piccola, but not as on-off as Dominions. TBF, I haven't experimented with different pads yet. That's todays ride. The Piccolas have a 'softer' modulation at the lever than the Direttissima's, but the power and consistency out of a 160gr brake is amazing. As an xc or trail brake they're perfect. Trail or enduro the Direttissima would definitely be the go-to. More power and I do like the firmer lever feel. I'm running 180mm rotors with both. Tried 200's and downsized - they slowed me down too much! Big 29er wheels on enduro or dh, yeah I could see the appeal of Maxima, but I haven't felt the need for that much stopping power yet. Honestly, I don't think about my brakes any more when riding, other than "f**k my brakes are sick!". Which is worth every penny for me over 4yrs of ownership. Sorry for the long and salesy sounding post. Its the same spiel someone gets trailside when they ask about my brakes. Maybe now we can just say 'hi' and keep on riding.

Doubtful. Girls probably don't buy enough Redbull to justify the extra event day it would require. Oh, and "the girls might get hurt".

@CarbonShmarbon: Sea to Sky already has a one-day format like that: #IntoTheER

Props to Robin O'Neill for scouting that perspective and getting Hannah into that line! So sick!

That Schwinn needs a KISS system.

Neese

@FatTonyNJ: still have mine from 1996. Currently on my road bike. Original bearings too!

Check out the Singletrack 6 event for that! Super fun, well organized, and always a rippin' selection of trails.