Replacement calipers and brake pads for bikes

Caliper Brakes / Bike Brake Shoes: reliability in service of performance

Bike brakes with calipers are still widely used by road professionals. While in MTB the disc brake is now dominant, things are different for the road bike. A good caliper brake, in fact, reduces braking distance compared with V-brakes. And it is not subject to the overheating typical of disc brakes under stress, delivering greater reliability. Another feature is its mechanical simplicity, as it can be installed and removed in just a few steps. It is made up of two calipers that can clamp evenly onto the wheel. Between the brake shoes and the rim, however, there are two other key components. We are talking about brake shoes, the rubber pads that act on the wheel gently. Quick setup and fast maintenance: these are two further strengths of caliper brakes for road bikes.

Front and rear: a short buying guide

Also called Caliper, caliper brakes are sold as a pair or separately. For anyone buying just one, it is necessary to check that it is the correct one. Front and rear are not the same, in fact. And although the aesthetic differences are minimal, as shown by the Shimano Dura Ace BR-R9100, incorrect installation would compromise riding safety. Designed around the 28-inch wheel, caliper brakes are divided into two subcategories: single-pivot or dual-pivot. The first type is ideal for the rear wheel because it delivers less power, preventing unwanted lockups. For the front, dual-pivot brakes with greater braking power are used.

Aerodynamics and light weight of caliper brakes

To push your pedaling to its full potential, your legs need a little help. In road cycling, aerodynamics and light weight are two essential requirements. And caliper brakes excel in both. Not to mention that the price of a pair of brakes like these is not even remotely comparable to that of equivalent disc models. When buying, however, it is advisable to assess the compound of the brake shoes. Some are in fact designed for aluminum rims, others for carbon.