Key Features at a Glance

The Trickstuff Piccola HD Titanium combines the C42 brake caliper with the Piccola brake pump and a 3D-printed titanium lever. Here, precision milling meets additive manufacturing to create a brake that’s more work of art than component. The caliper houses four brake pistons and is powered by Bionol brake fluid, which has a boiling point of 360 degrees. The brake set weighs just 400 grams without the rotors; a 180-disc adds 118 grams to the total.

First Impressions

Some caution is advised during installation; the screws and components are all designed to be slightly “more delicate” than those on brakes from the market leaders. Attaching the multi-piece brake lever bracket requires a bit more dexterity than with other manufacturers. If the brake needs to be bled after connecting the line, this can be done without any problems using Trickstuff’s instructions.

The brake lever features a honeycomb structure designed to provide a secure grip for the braking finger. Although the delicate design might suggest that the lever could be flexible, it offers good and direct power transmission. The lever reach can be adjusted using a honeycomb screw with a 2-mm Allen wrench. The pressure point is fixed and cannot be changed.

For the brake caliper, the pads are inserted from the top as usual and held in place by a spring. This is effortless.

In Action

Like all brake systems, the Piccola takes a few descents before the pads and rotors have bedded in and deliver maximum braking performance. Once that point is reached, caution is advised. The bite is fierce, especially if you don’t modulate your braking but instead pull the lever hard. It can almost catapult you over the handlebars, especially if 200-mm brake rotors are installed. For this reason, most of the testing was done with 180-mm discs. The braking power is more than sufficient with them. To get the most out of the braking power, you need a light touch. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to fine-tune the braking force just enough so that you don’t “waste” speed unnecessarily, and both rider and bike maintain maximum but controlled speed. The Trickstuff brake has a great deal of power but doesn’t demand any from the rider. Even during extended downhill runs with elevation drops in the four-digit range, your fingers or hands won’t get tired. The Piccola doesn’t overheat, even during prolonged skid braking.

It has a consistent pressure point, though it’s not as clearly defined as with other manufacturers. It takes some getting used to that the lever can still be pulled further toward the handlebar after reaching the final braking point and then feels a bit spongy. After a few rides, this feeling becomes normal and no longer bothers you.

The honeycomb texture on the brake lever is more than just for show. Especially in rain or muddy conditions, it offers that extra bit of grip, as if your glove were anchored to the lever. However, cleaning the holes takes a little more time after a mud bath.

You’ll get the hang of the Piccola quickly. There’s just one thing that really takes some getting used to: the somewhat distinctive sound of the braking process. It’s a sort of metallic scraping sound when the pads hit the brake rotor. It’s neither good nor bad—just unusual.

Conclusion

The Trickstuff Piccola HD Titanium sets the benchmark for disc brakes. There’s absolutely nothing to fault when it comes to build quality, modulation, and braking performance. Whether it’s worth the high purchase price is something everyone has to decide for themselves. But one thing is clear: it “saves” lives.

Recommendation

Trickstuff offers four different brake pads; the “Power” model is mid-range in price and has proven itself in terms of wear and performance.

Price: CHF 1,175.00 / EUR 1,217.90

Manufacturer

www.trickstuff.com