The '90s MTB nostalgia vibe continues as Hayes releases limited edition “Purple Hayes” brakes

Hayes releases a limited-edition “Purple Hayes” Dominion A4 Brake Kit
Hayes releases a limited-edition “Purple Hayes” Dominion A4 Brake Kit (Image credit: Hayes)

Hayes is celebrating 25-year history in the cycling world by releasing a limited-edition “Purple Hayes” Dominion A4 Brake Kit.

The brake is a throwback to the brand's legendary Mag brakes from the late '90s – as well as a nod in the direction of guitar rock from the '60s, of course. Hayes arguably set the benchmark with its design, zinc construction, and huge power. Why purple you ask, well the original brakes used by the likes of Specialized-Mountain Dew, Volvo-Cannondale, Trek-Volkswagen, Tomac Racing, and others came in Champagne with purple logos. Hayes then did a purple anodization, which played off the purple Hayes logo on the team version.

While Hayes may have brought the striking purple from the past, it's applied to the Dominion A4 brake which now sits as Hayes' best mountain bike brake. The limited run of brakes features a purple lever blade and four-pot caliper. Other than the purple colorway the brakes have all the same features as the standard Dominion, including tool-free reach adjust, cross-hair caliper alignment, pad contact adjustment, and a flip-flop lever.

Hayes releases a limited-edition “Purple Hayes” Dominion A4 Brake Kit

If your going for a neo '90s look, these have got to be on your shopping list (Image credit: Hayes)

There has been somewhat of a retro revival as some brands throwback to simpler, more anodized times with the likes of the limited run of Canyons '90s Grizl or that lovely Specialized Rock Combo Diverge that was specially painted for Unbound.

If you want to get in on the purple action you will need to act quickly though, as Hayes only has a limited number. They will retail for $249.99 each and are available directly from www.hayesbicycle.com.

Graham Cottingham
Senior reviews writer, Bike Perfect

Graham is all about riding bikes off-road. Based in Edinburgh he has some of the best mountain biking and gravel riding in the UK right on his doorstep. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for Bike Perfect.


Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller

Height: 177cm

Weight: 71kg