There is hardly a more elegant and at the same time very powerful way to decelerate than with a Piccola HD from Trickstuff. The lightweight brake has already proven its power and stability in previous brake tests. Now the Piccola HD is getting an update. Together with 3D printing experts Trumpf, the Freiburg-based company has developed a printed titanium lever that weighs just 14.5 grams including the ball bearing.
Low weight, high power
Apart from the new 3D printed titanium lever, the Piccola HD remains the same. The slim brake pump is combined with a powerful C42 four-piston caliper. Thanks to the 9-millimetre donor pistons and the four 14/17-millimetre stainless steel slave pistons, the Piccola HD has a high hydraulic transmission ratio, which generates plenty of braking power. Nevertheless, attention was paid to a linear force curve, proportional to the pull on the lever - for fine modulation. In addition to the Piccola HD (Heavy Duty), the Piccola Carbon with carbon lever and two-piston brake calliper will also continue to be available.
Titanium and carbon levers in comparison
In a direct comparison, the carbon levers are slightly lighter at 12.5 grams including ball bearings than the new 3D printed titanium levers at 14.5 grams. However, the new titanium version is said to have the edge in terms of stability. Thanks to the rough surface of the printed levers, the feel is also pleasantly non-slip and offers more grip than the painted carbon surface. Both lever variants cost 129.90 euros in the retrofit kit.
Availability and details
The new brake will be available in either silver or black, although combinations are also possible. The titanium levers come in their untreated titanium finish, without any additional coating. The price of the new Piccola HD Titan as a set is a proud 1100 euros and weighs from 442 grams (v: 212 g + h: 230 g). Trickstuff now uses mineral oil (Bionol) as the brake fluid for all brakes.
- Price: 1100 Euro per set
- Weight: from 442 grams per set
- Colour options: black and silver
- Four-piston brake calliper: 14/17 millimetre pistons
- 3D printed titanium lever: 14.5 grams including ball bearing
- Braking medium: Mineral oil (Bionol)
A brief excursion into 3D printing
Additive manufacturing enables the production of high-precision, durable components - and at the same time creates space for innovative designs. The lever is made of titanium, a material known for its exceptional breaking strength and corrosion resistance. Titanium is used wherever the highest standards apply, for example in medical technology or aerospace. And for good reason: due to its higher specific strength compared to aluminium, the same mechanical performance can be achieved with less material. Titanium is not lighter than aluminium per se, but 3D printing makes it possible to design a lever that is both lighter and stronger.
Inside the lever, partially hollow printed structures ensure that the weight is further reduced while maintaining stability. Titanium does not react to moisture or sweat, so an additional coating to protect against corrosion is not necessary. The contact surface of the lever has a special honeycomb structure that cannot be realised using conventional manufacturing methods. This design not only saves material and therefore weight, but together with the specially customised surface texture ensures a good grip - even without gloves.
In additive manufacturing, fine metal powder is applied layer by layer and selectively melted using a laser or electron beam to create the desired geometry. The key advantage of the powder process is the high level of detail and the ability to realise complex, intricate structures or print geometries that are difficult to access, such as cavities or internal channels - without any additional tools or support structures.
The material efficiency should also be emphasised. Only the powder required for the printing process is melted, which minimises waste and makes production more efficient. Excess powder can be reused after the printing process and support structures can be recycled.
First ride impression of the Piccola HD Titan
We were able to fit a set of the new Trickstuff Piccola HD Titanium in advance and gather our first riding impressions. The feel of the new levers is pleasantly grippy. Thanks to the rough surface of the printed titanium levers, the levers sit securely on the finger, whether with or without gloves. Even when stationary, the smooth-running, play-free bearing of the levers and the low effort required to pull them are impressive. The pressure point is defined and firm. The power with which the lightweight decelerates is also always astonishing. As soon as the brake pads are applied, the Piccola HD grips with great vigour and is easy to modulate. Even long descents cannot shock the Piccola HD Titan. The stability is remarkable.
