Road bike brake calipers

The double pivot, the standard rim brake

On a rim-brake road bike, the double pivot caliper has become the standard: its two arms rotate around two distinct axes, which increases the force transmitted to the brake pads compared to older calipers with a central pivot. The Shimano Ultegra calipers, made of forged aluminium, stand out for their stiffness and modulation, that fine balance between slowing down and locking the wheel. A small lever on the caliper spreads the pads to remove the wheel without touching the cable, and a side adjustment screw balances the position of the two arms.

The rest of the braking

Road braking also includes:

• Brake pads.
• Disc brakes.
• Brake levers.
• Cables and casings.

All braking information is gathered on the braking page.

Central mount or direct mount, and arm length

Before buying, check the mounting of the frame and fork. The central nut caliper attaches with a single through axle; the direct mount caliper, fixed with two screws to dedicated lugs, gains in stiffness and power. The arm length, or reach, measures the distance between the mounting axis and the centre of the braking surface: standard road calipers cover about thirty-nine to fifty-one millimetres, which fits most modern frames. You should also check tire clearance: recent Ultegra calipers accept twenty-eight millimetre tires.

Pads, cable and caliper alignment

A well-adjusted caliper starts with the pads: they should contact the rim flat, at the centre of the braking surface, without biting into the tire, with a slight pinch, the front of the pad touching a bit before the back to avoid squealing. Next, adjust the cable tension with the caliper's knob, so that the lever engages after a short pull without the pads rubbing when the wheel turns. For alignment, the side screw moves both arms together until the pads are equidistant from the rim. On a carbon rim, specific pads are essential.

Bargains

Good deals can also be found in the bargains, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlight periods of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t my brake caliper return?

A caliper that stays pressed is often due to a dirty cable or a crushed casing that hampers its return. Clean and lubricate the cable, change the casing if necessary, then check that the pivot moves freely and that the return spring isn’t stuck.

How to spread a brake caliper to remove the wheel?

Lift the small release lever on the caliper, which moves the pads away by a few millimetres. Remember to close it after putting the wheel back: if left open, it weakens and distorts the braking.

Is a road caliper suitable for a carbon rim?

Yes, the caliper remains the same, only the pads differ. Use specific carbon pads, whose rubber can withstand heat, and never use them on an aluminium rim, as the embedded particles would damage the carbon.

What caliper for an old road bike?

Measure the distance between the mounting axis and the middle of the braking surface. Older frames, often designed for mudguards, may require a greater arm length than standard road calipers.

When to change the brake pads?

As soon as the grooves in the rubber have disappeared or when metal shards are embedded in them. On Shimano calipers, only the rubber is replaced, by sliding a new cartridge into the pad holder, secured by a small screw.