Bike Brake Caliper Buying Guide
Wondering which bike brake caliper is best for your bike? This guide explains how brake calipers work, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your riding style. Whether you ride on roads, off-road, or in all weather conditions, understanding these components is crucial for a safe and smooth ride.
Key Takeaways - Bike Brake Calipers
Bike brake calipers, key to a bike’s braking system, directly apply pressure to the wheel rim or disc brake rotor, enhancing braking power and control. Various types of bike brake calipers, such as rim brakes, disc brakes and V-brakes, each offer unique advantages suitable for different riding conditions and styles. Regular maintenance and proper installation are crucial for optimal brake caliper performance, including checking brake pads for wear, aligning calipers correctly, and ensuring smooth operation through lubrication.
Understanding Bike Brake Calipers
The brake caliper forms the core of your bike’s braking system. It’s a crucial part that:
- Pushes brake pads against the wheel rim or disc rotor, slowing or stopping the bike
- Turns kinetic energy into thermal energy via friction, guaranteeing a smooth, controlled halt
- The efficiency of this energy conversion distinguishes high-quality brake calipers
Bike brake calipers are designed to apply pressure directly to the wheel rim or rotor. This direct application of force not only enhances braking power but also allows for greater control and precision.
Types of Bike Brake Calipers
Bike brake calipers come in various forms, each suited to different types of riding and conditions. The three main types are rim brakes, disc brakes, and V-brakes, each offering unique advantages and challenges.
Rim brakes, being lightweight and maintenance-friendly, contrast with disc brakes that offer remarkable stopping power, particularly in damp conditions. V-brakes, on the other hand, offer a good balance of performance and ease of maintenance, making them a popular choice for many riders.
Rim Brakes vs Disc Brakes
When weighing up rim brakes and disc brakes, their performance in differing conditions should be taken into account. Rim brakes are known for their lightweight design and strong braking power, however, their performance can degrade in wet conditions, as water can reduce the friction between the brake pads and the rim.
Disc brakes have grown hugely in popularity in recent years and are now commonplace on road bikes, gravel bikes as well as MTB models. Disc brakes offer more efficient and consistent stopping power regardless of the weather and terrain. They work by pushing pistons and pads housed in a caliper against a disc brake rotor attached to the wheel’s hub, providing greater stopping power and better performance in adverse weather conditions.
While disc brakes are more challenging to set up and maintain, their reliability in all conditions has made them the standard on modern road bikes and gravel bikes.
Caliper Brakes
Caliper brakes are a common sight on more affordable entry level bikes, known for their efficient design and ease of use. They use a single mounting point above the wheel and work by squeezing brake pads against the rim. There are different types of caliper brakes, including single-pivot, dual-pivot, and direct-mount designs.
There are three types of caliper brakes commonly used on road bikes:
1. Single-pivot caliper brakes, which have both arms rotating around a single pivot. These were the norm in the past.
2. Dual-pivot caliper brakes, which provide more stopping power and easier centering. These have become more popular.
3. Direct-mount caliper brakes, which are now common on high-end rim brake bikes due to their stronger braking and increased clearances for wider tyres.
Components of Brake Calipers
Understanding the key components of bike brake calipers can help you maintain and troubleshoot them more effectively. The main components include:
- The caliper housing
- Pistons (disc brakes)
- Brake pads
- Mounting hardware
The caliper housing holds all the parts together and provides the structure for the brake system.
Brake pads are crucial components positioned within the caliper. They are responsible for applying pressure to the rim or rotor, creating the necessary friction to stop the bike. The arms of the rim caliper hold the brake pads and pivot to squeeze them against the wheel rim while pistons in the disc caliper apply pads to the disc rotor, transmitting the force from the brake lever. Mounting hardware securely attaches the brake caliper to the bike frame or fork, ensuring stability and safety.
Choosing the Right Brake Caliper for Your Bike
Selecting the right brake caliper for your bike involves considering the following factors:
- The type of bike you have, such as road bikes or cyclocross bikes, which require specific brake calipers tailored to their unique needs
- The typical riding conditions you encounter, as different brake calipers perform better in wet or dry conditions
- Your budget, as there are options available across a wide price range without compromising safety
By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best brake caliper for your bike.
Road Bike Brake Calipers
Road bikes necessitate lightweight, high-performance brakes. Most brakes found on road bikes are favoured for their aerodynamic design and efficient braking power. Disc brake calipers for road bikes are components that clamp onto the disc rotor to provide braking power through hydraulic or mechanical means. They offer superior stopping power and control, especially in wet conditions, compared to traditional rim brakes.
Brands like Shimano and SRAM offer excellent options for road bikes that deliver exceptional performance at a modest price and are considered some of the best brakes available.
Cyclocross and Gravel Bikes
Brake calipers for cyclocross bikes need to withstand tough conditions like mud and debris. Cantilever brakes were once the go-to option due to their good mud clearance, but disc brakes now dominate this space due to their superior performance in muddy conditions.
Budget Considerations
When it comes to budget considerations, V-brakes are often preferred due to their ease of maintenance and the availability of brake pads. Mechanical disc brakes are also a great budget option, as they are simpler to maintain and the parts are more readily available. Additionally, the Shimano Deore M6100 brake caliper is praised for its power, reliable performance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Installation and Adjustment Tips
For optimal performance and safety, brake calipers must be properly installed and adjusted. Ensuring the bike is securely mounted on a workstand allows for free wheel rotation, providing easy access to the brake mounting points.
Gathering the necessary tools, including a set of hex keys, a torque wrench, and proper mounting hardware, is essential for a successful installation. If you have any doubts or need support when fitting a bike upgrade, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Sigma Sports workshop.
How to Install Brake Callipers
For the installation of rim brakes, follow these steps:
1.Slacken the mounting bolt and alter the caliper’s position to centre it over the wheel.
2.Ensure the brake pads are positioned to contact the braking surface and not the tyre.
3.After positioning the brake caliper, tighten the mounting bolts securely to prevent it from shifting during use.
For disc brakes, follow these steps:
1.Make sure the brake rotor is clean and free from oils or contaminants before attaching the caliper. A specific disc brake cleaner works to keep rotors clean and contamination free.
2.Position the caliper over the rotor and secure it with appropriate mounting bolts, ensuring the rotor spins freely without rubbing.
3.Align the brake pads so that they contact the rotor evenly when the brake lever is squeezed.
Adjusting Brake Calipers for Optimal Performance
Correct adjustment of brake calipers is necessary for optimal performance. Start by making sure the wheels are correctly positioned in the dropouts before beginning brake adjustments. Centre the brakes so the brake pads sit an equal distance from the rim or rotor. This ensures even braking force and prevents drag.
For disc brakes, follow these steps:
1. Loosen the caliper bolts.
2. Squeeze the brake lever.
3. Re tighten the bolts for proper alignment.
4. Adjust the brake pads to contact the braking surface without touching the tyre or extending below the braking track.
5. Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune the brake cable tension, allowing for easier adjustments over time.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Keeping your brake calipers in peak condition requires regular maintenance. This includes routinely checking the brake pads for wear and tear, ensuring they are not worn down past their minimum thickness. Lubricating the moving parts of the calipers with a suitable lubricant can help maintain smooth operation.
Regular Maintenance Practices
Regularly cleaning brake calipers with a mild degreaser can remove dirt and grime, ensuring smooth operation. Disassembling and cleaning the inside of the pivot can help solve sticky rim calipers. Lubricate the caliper pivot with brake oil to maintain smooth movement.
Inspect brake pads frequently for wear and replace them if they are less than 1.5mm thick. Service brake cables by checking for smooth movement and lubricating as needed. These maintenance practices are essential for ensuring reliable performance and extending the life of your brake calipers.
Common Issues and Solutions
Misalignment is a common brake caliper issue that can be corrected by loosening and realigning the caliper bolts. To ensure effective braking, both sides of the caliper should clamp against the bike wheel; if one side is stuck, loosen the bolts and lubricate the mechanism.
Excessive brake noise can often be remedied by cleaning the rotors and pads with rubbing alcohol. Ensuring that the rotor is not warped and the pads are properly aligned can also help reduce noise and improve braking performance. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can keep your brakes in top shape and ready for any riding conditions.
Popular Brake Caliper Brands & Component Recommendations
A handful of component brands are distinguished for their innovation and quality in the realm of bike brake calipers. Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo are renowned for their advanced braking technology and reliable performance. Each brand offers a range of brake calipers designed to meet different riding needs and preferences.
We’ve put together some recommendations for those wanting to make some stopping power upgrades:
Shimano Brake Calipers
The improved braking power and heat dissipation of Shimano’s latest brake calipers have received high praise from riders of all abilities. Models like the Shimano 105 caliper brakes offer excellent performance at an affordable price, featuring technology trickled down from higher-end series like Dura-Ace and Ultegra. These calipers are designed for consistent braking performance, making them a popular choice among road cyclists.
Shimano Disc Brakes
We’ve put together some recommendations for those wanting to make some stopping power upgrades:
Premium Shimano Disc Brake Calipers
- SHIMANO DURA-ACE R9270 HYDRAULIC DISC DI2 RIGHT FRONT LEVER & CALIPER
- SHIMANO DURA-ACE R9270 HYDRAULIC DISC DI2 LEFT REAR LEVER & CALIPER
Entry Level Shimano Disc Brake Calipers
- SHIMANO 105 ST-R7120 HYDRAULIC RIGHT LEVER AND FRONT CALLIPER
- SHIMANO 105 ST-R7120 HYDRAULIC LEFT LEVER AND REAR CALLIPER
Shimano Rim Brakes
Premium Shimano Rim Brake Calipers
SRAM Brake Calipers
The innovative design of SRAM’s latest brake calipers prioritises precision and control. The latest SRAM calipers feature a high level of modulation, offering better control during braking, which is essential for both competitive and casual riders.
SRAM Disc Brakes
Premium SRAM Disc Brake Calipers
Entry Level SRAM Disc Brake Calipers
- SRAM RIVAL ETAP AXS REAR BRAKE/LEFT SHIFT LEVER/CALIPER SET
- SRAM RIVAL ETAP AXS FRONT BRAKE/RIGHT SHIFT LEVER/CALIPER SET
SRAM Rim Brakes
Campagnolo Brake Calipers
Campagnolo’s newest brake calipers, compatible with flat-mount frames, boast 22 mm pistons in phenolic resin, enhancing the braking force. These calipers are designed with an optimised piston-caliper connector for rapid pad return and minimal disc clearance, ensuring efficient performance.
Campagnolo brake calipers are known for their aerodynamics and lightweight construction, making them a favourite among road cyclists. They also feature easily interchangeable spare parts like pads, cylinders, screws, and bolts, making maintenance practical and straightforward.
Campagnolo Disc Brakes
Premium Campagnolo Disc Brake Calipers
- CAMPAGNOLO SUPER RECORD 12-SPEED RIGHT HYDRAULIC LEVER/FRONT 160 CALIPER
- CAMPAGNOLO SUPER RECORD 12-SPEED LEFT LEVER AND 160MM REAR CALIPER
Entry Level Campagnolo Disc Brake Calipers
- CAMPAGNOLO CHORUS 12-SPEED RIGHT HYDRAULIC LEVER/FRONT 160 CALIPER
- CAMPAGNOLO CHORUS 12-SPEED LEFT HYDRAULIC LEVER/REAR 160 CALIPER
Campagnolo Rim Brakes
Premium Campagnolo Rim Brakes
CAMPAGNOLO SUPER RECORD 12 SPEED DUAL PIVOT BRAKE CALIPERS
Entry Level Campagnolo Rim Brake Calipers
