Hayes claims a 23 percent jump in absolute power over the Stroker line but also with better control and improved ergonomics to go along with it.(Image credit: Hayes Disc Brakes)
The two-piece caliper boasts increased stiffness for better power and lever feel plus top-loading pads that are easier to replace and more secure. The larger caliper window improves airflow, too.(Image credit: Hayes Disc Brakes)
The new Hayes Prime master cylinder uses an all-new 'Tiltbore' technology that supposedly yields better long-term durability and more consistent performance. Details on the pad contact adjustment are still a couple of weeks away.(Image credit: Hayes Disc Brakes)
The Pro model's two-piece rotor weighs as little as 110g with a new venting pattern that supposedly runs quieter than before.(Image credit: Hayes Disc Brakes)
Hayes Disc Brakes will replace the Stroker range with a new platform this coming summer called Prime. In addition to a claimed 23 percent increase in stopping power thanks to revised hydraulic ratios, Hayes claims the new Prime will also provide improved modulation and control in addition to better ergonomics and adjustability.
The general layout is similar to Stroker in that Prime will continue to use a two-piece caliper and radial-type master cylinder but aside from general appearances, there are few similarities. For one, Prime's all-new 'Tiltbore' master cylinder internal design will also finally add pad contact adjustment to Stroker's reach adjustment and both can be set independently and without tools.
Hayes product manager Joel Richardson was tight-lipped on the so-called 'Poppet Cam' internals ahead of a more formal release in a few weeks but he did reveal that it can be operated on-the-fly using just your thumb and that it will provide a wide range of adjustment.
Moreover, the revised geometry will offer a more linear leverage ratio throughout the stroke and regardless of lever position for more predictable and consistent control while a two-piece split clamp and true flip-flop design will ease installation and serviceability.
Prime will also signal Hayes' first use of top-loaded pads for the new two-piece aluminum caliper. In addition to being easier to replace and boasting a higher-friction compound, the bigger window will allow more cooling air to flow through to prevent overheating and also eliminate the possibility of a lost spring clip during a wheel change. A locking pin will prevent pad ejection and an additional sandwich spring will reduce pad rub.
The revised caliper shape is supposedly more resistant to flex, too, for increased clamping power while a rotating banjo eases hose routing. According to Richardson, updated seals improve the all-weather durability, too.
The hose and rotor have been updated, too. The top-end Pro model will get a more stretch-resistant hose to prevent power loss and improve lever feel as well as a two-piece rotor weighing as little as 110g with a stainless steel brake track and aluminum carrier to reduce weight, plus a new machining pattern to cut down on noise. The Pro will also get titanium and aluminum hardware, a titanium master cylinder push rod, and laser-etched graphics for lighter weight and a more premium appearance.
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The Prime Expert will use a standard stainless steel rotor and hose and rubber hose covers on both models will guard against paint damage. Hayes intends the Prime as a do-all platform covering the gamut of applications from cross-country to downhill (but not tandem) and so will offer 140 (rear only), 160, 180, 203 and even 224mm-diameter rotors to suit.
As compared to Stroker, "the end user is going to get a more powerful system, a more consistent system regardless of hand size or where you are in the stroke, [and] we've got a new hose, a new rotor, and a new friction material in the brake pad," said Richardson. "We've tuned the brake to be more powerful, more linear, and the tool-free features on it are more user-friendly."
Target weight for the Pro is 385g for a complete front setup with 160mm rotor and the Expert is slightly heavier at 415g. Projected prices are aggressive across the board with the Prime Pro costing a very reasonable US$209 per wheel and the Expert model just US$179. Consumers should being seeing Prime on store shelves beginning this June.
