After TRP introduced their Spyre dual piston mechanical disc brake for road and cross bikes, an interesting thing happened – they started getting a lot of requests to make a mountain bike model. Even with a number of excellent hydraulic brakes on the market, apparently fatbike riders especially were looking for a mechanical brake that was better than the current options and not susceptible to cold like many hydraulic brakes can be. In spite of the bumpy roll out of the Spyre, the performance of the brake is impressive and now after the recall new models are shipping to satisfied consumers. Enter the new TRP Spyke, a mechanical dual piston mountain bike disc brake. Currently still in the prototype phase, it shouldn’t be long before these hit the shelves.
Thanks to TRP we got our hands on a prototype set after the break!
Clearly labeled as a prototype, but the Spyke seems very close to production. Like the original Spyre, pad adjustment is offered through dual 3mm allen screws but is now labeled on the arm itself. This also happens to be a distinguishing mark between the recalled first generation Spyre, and the new improved model. If your brake has the 3mm Pad In written on the lever, you’re good to go. Almost identical to the Spyre, the Spyke is tuned for mountain brake lever pull ratio and perhaps a little more robust. The brake uses the same Shimano compatible brake pads as the Spyre so replacements will be easy to come by.
TRP will also be offering a Spyke branded brake lever that will match nicely to the calipers. Very simple in their construction, short of the barrel adjuster the levers are pretty spartan.
Obviously as prototypes weights are subject to change, but the caliper came in at 169g with pads which is only 10g heavier than Avid’s BB7 SL brake with pads. A single lever is 81g. The prototype kit we were given didn’t include rotors or hardware, but expect those weights to be identical to most other TRP brakes. Retail for the Spykes should be around $90 per brake which includes the rotor, and $40 for the lever pair with availability around April.
First Impressions:
Honestly, I didn’t think I would get this excited about mechanical brakes after going hydraulic on most of my bikes, but the Spykes seem to deliver. After going through a number of different brakes on my Pugsley that offered questionable performance in the cold the Spykes seem like they could be the answer. Much easier to set up than most other mechanical disc brakes, the Spykes offer impressive power above average lever feel for a mechanical. Best of all, they are silent – no rubbing, and quiet braking even on a used rotor. And that’s on the prototype. Personally, I’d hope the production lever will include a reach adjustment, but if not other levers are easy enough to find. We’ll put these through the paces, and report back.
Also on display was the rest of the TRP line up including the RG957 Long Reach dual pivot rim brakes. Lance with TRP mentioned not many people know they exist and they are a great option for gravel grinders as they fit big tires.
If disc brakes and single speed is your thing, then TRP is also shipping the Hylex drop bar disc brake system.
