If you’ve been paying attention to the latest trends in bike parts, you’ve probably noticed a lot of brakes being referred to as hydraulic. What’s the difference between these brakes and the standard cable-pull brakes you’ve been riding for years? The answer is in the braking action. Hydraulic brakes use a hydraulic system to create a near-frictionless braking action, and the difference is noticeable when you’re riding. These brakes allow you to stop with more precision and control than standard brakes, no matter how hard you’re pushing yourself on the bike.
To help you pick the best bike brake calipers, here’s what you need to know.
Our Editor’s Best Bike Brake Calipers Reviews
- Mechanical Disc Brake caliper:made of high-quality aluminum alloy material,compact structure,light weight, durable,anti-corrosion,rust prevention,and good heat dissipation effect.
- Easy to Install: The kit has mounting screws, so the brake caliper is easy to install on the bicycle. Suitable for two main types of disc brake mounting,51mm IS mounting and 74mm Post mounting.
- Easy Adjustment: the internal thread elastic fine adjustment screw of the brake and the brake pad adjuster screw can help you easily adjust the gap between the brake disc and the brake caliper;Long rectangular opening for convenient and effective brake pad replacement.
- Front and Rear Brakes: front caliper is 0mm, rear caliper is 20mm,front brake is 180MM/160MM disc brake disc,rear brake is 160MM/140MM disc brake disc,front and rear brakes are compatible with 160mm rotor.
- Brake System:One-way piston linear pull mechanical disc brake is used for the brake system of folding bicycles,mountain bikes,BMX,fixed gear bicycles and road bikes.
- Braking System: Cable-actuated hydraulic disc brake.
- Upgrade Design: HB-100 uses a new hydraulic line pull clamp technology. The block of the HB-100 mechanical disc brake caliper is equipped with built-in brake oil, and then the brake clamp is used to control the line pulling hydraulic brake of the hydraulic clamp. The cylinder of the clamp is built-in brake oil.
- Cable-Pull Hydraulic Caliper: Front /Rear Disc calipers are made of premium aluminum material with oil cylinder-driven two-way brake pad movement， Braking is very smooth in the wettest conditions or the steepest downhills.
- Adjust Tightness: Bike disc brake sets has elastic fine adjustment screw help you fine-tune the inner brake line to achieve an ideal brake feel.
- Compatible: Suitable for mountain, road, folding bikes, E-bikes, and electric scooters.
- Compatibility: Linear-pull MTB lever
- Pad Type: B01S Resin Pads
- Color: Black
- Mount Type: 74mm post mount
- Included Components: Frame or fork mount adapter (rotor not included)
- Mechanical Disc Brake Caliper:made of high-quality aluminum alloy material,compact structure,light weight, durable,anti-corrosion,rust prevention,and good heat dissipation effect.
- Easy to Install: The kit has mounting screws, so the brake caliper is easy to install on the bicycle. Suitable for two main types of disc brake mounting,51mm IS mounting and 74mm Post mounting.
- Easy Adjustment: the internal thread elastic fine adjustment screw of the brake and the brake pad adjuster screw can help you easily adjust the gap between the brake disc and the brake caliper;Long rectangular opening for convenient and effective brake pad replacement.
- Front and Rear Brakes: front caliper is 0mm, rear caliper is 20mm,front brake is 180MM/160MM disc brake disc,rear brake is 160MM/140MM disc brake disc,front and rear brakes are compatible with 160mm rotor.
- Brake System:One-way piston linear pull mechanical disc brake is used for the brake system of folding bicycles,mountain bikes,BMX,fixed gear bicycles and road bikes.
- Height Adjustable brake pad: The brake pad height can be adjusted by 2cm, making the clamp brake suitable for different bicycles, children's bicycles, student bicycles, and commuting bicycle
- Material: The bicycle brake handle is made of aluminum alloy, the caliper brake is made of iron.
- Product size: Front brake cable length: 60cm/23.6 inch; Rear brake cable length: 200cm/78.7 inch. The bicycle brake handle is suitable for handlebars with a diameter of 2.2 cm / 0.87 inch.
- Package Including: 1 pair of C brakes, 1 pair of brake levers, 1 piece front brake cables and 1 piece rear brake cable, 2 pairs brake pad(the second pair of brake pads can be used for replacement later), Installation Tools.
- 【Durable Aluminum Bicycle Disc Brake】 Made of high-quality aluminum alloy, this mechanical disc brake caliper is lightweight, anti-corrosion, and rust-resistant, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- 【Front and Rear Brake Calipers】 Features 0mm front and 20mm rear setups with fine-tuning and pad-adjustment screws for precise clearance control between the rotor and caliper.
- 【Mechanical Disc Brake Compatibility】 Supports F160/R140 (160mm front / 140mm rear rotors) and F180/R160 (180mm front / 160mm rear rotors), offering versatile installation options.
- 【 Easy Installation】 Compatible with IS mount (51mm) and Post mount (74mm) systems. Includes mounting screws and hex wrench for quick, tool-friendly set up.
- 【Wide Bike Compatibility】 Ideal for mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bikes, BMX, and electric bicycles, providing reliable mechanical braking performance for various riding styles.
- Package Includes: 1 pairs bike brake including 1 x front brake caliper, 1 x rear brake caliper.
- C Brake Size: Front brake total length of screws on the back is 48mm/1.89in, Rear brake is 32mm/1.26in, Height of break pad adjustable 22mm (68~90mm).
- Quality Materials: C-brake is made of 6061 T6 quality aluminum alloy, and equipped with wear-resistant rubber brake pads, excellent braking effect and no tire damage, anti-rust and sturdy, not easily deformed to ensure long time use.
- Symmetrical design: Symmetrical design, equal force, smoother braking, and good braking effect
- When purchasing a C brake, it is necessary to pay attention to whether the screw shaft length is appropriate. The front and rear brakes only screw shaft lengths have different. With longer screw shaft is front brake caliper, with shorter screw shaft is rear brake caliper.
- BR-R451 Rear Mid-Reach Road Caliper in Black is crafted with lightweight, durable materials to ensure optimal performance and longevity on the road.
- Engineered with advanced caliper technology and precise machining, this brake caliper provides reliable stopping power and highly responsive braking performance, even under demanding conditions.
- Designed for compatibility with STI and brake levers that are Super SLR enabled, including models like Dura Ace Di2, Di2, 105, and Tiagra, making it a versatile choice for high-end road bike setups.
- Featuring adjustable toe-in brake shoes and short pull Super SLR actuation, these calipers deliver smooth, accurate braking with customizable alignment for enhanced comfort and control during long rides or spirited descents.
- Ideal for mid-reach road bike applications (47mm - 57mm), the BR-R451 combines sleek black style with performance-driven engineering, perfect for upgrading your bike's braking system for improved safety and style.
- [Useful Functions]---The bicycle brake rod is durable and has little burden on your bicycle, ensuring a smooth ride and the brake set is simple and portable, great for carry-on items; Suitable for most mountain bikes and road bikes with brakes; Brake arm tension adjustable, frame/forks in the correct position, easy to adjust the spring in the internal brake bow tension.
- [Installation]---A 10MM socket wrench or adjustable wrench is required. It's easy to quickly replace the old bike brake, making the riding process more smooth and comfortable, improving your safety with a good reaction speed.
- [Wide Application]---Suitable for road bicycles with mechanical brakes, applicable to a wide range of scenarios.
- [Durable Material]---Made of aluminum alloy, high hardness, sturdiness and durability.
- [The Package Includes]---1 pair of bicycle brakes.
- 【Pack & Note】-- Pack of 1 pair Mechanical Disc Brake (0mm for Front, 20mm for Rear), 2PCS 160mm 6-Bolt Disc Rotors, 4PCS 16.8mm fixing bolts, 12PCS titanium bolts. Please check the specifications in the 2 & 3 product image to ensure it match your requirements for proper fit.
- 【Dismensions】-- All calipers have both 74mm and 51mm mounting bolt spacing, each weights 180g. The Disc Rotor inner diameter 44mm, outer diamerter 160mm, thickness 2mm, each weights 126g.
- 【Mechanical Disc Brake】-- Cable actuated post mount mechanical disc brake calipers provide excellent stopping power and are easy to service.
- 【Stainless Steel 6-Bolt Disc Rotors】-- Ultra-light rotors that shed weight and shred trail, while still achieving superior braking power and modulation. With massive vent holes throughout the spider, and drilled holes through your contact patch to help both with heat vetting and weight shaving at once.
- 【Highly Compatible】-- The gentle sawtooth shaping on the outside diameter decreases the chances that you'll experience brake squeal. It comes with sturdy steel fasteners and will work with any 6 Bolt compatible hubs.
Best Bike Brake Calipers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bike brake calipers you should consider following options:
1. Rim Compatibility: Internal or external calipers are designed to fit either standard or tubular rims.
Most road and cyclocross bikes have standard rims. If you are buying a caliper for a mountain bike or hybrid, make sure it fits the type of rim you have.
2. Disc Brake Compatibility: Disc brake calipers are available in two types: direct mount and standard mount.
Standard mount calipers use a mounting bracket to attach to the disc brake and are compatible with any standard or disc brake wheel.
Direct mount calipers bolt directly to the disc brake, so mounting a wheel with a different brake type will require new calipers.
3. Cable or Mechanical System: Mechanical systems are a single piston that operates both the in and out brakes. Cable-operated calipers have two pistons – one for the in brake and one for the out brake.
Cable-operated calipers are lighter and simpler, while mechanical systems offer more power and modulation.
4. Cable Length: External cable-operated calipers can be adjusted between the brake and lever, so if the cable is too long the brake won’t engage.
Internal cable-operated calipers have a fixed cable length, so make sure the caliper you choose has a cable length that fits the cable routing of your bike.
5. Caliper Mounting Position: Most calipers have a standard mounting position, but some are available with a low position.
If you are mounting disc brakes on a frame with limited clearance, choosing calipers with a low position will allow you to place the caliper farther back on the disc mount.
6. Lever Feel: The feel of a caliper’s lever is subjective, but there are some differences between models.
Some calipers offer a lighter feel, while others provide more power.
Others are specifically designed for smooth modulation for cyclocross racing.
What else you should know about bike brake calipers
1. What is a bike brake caliper?
A brake caliper is a device on a bicycle that contains the brake pads and applies pressure to the spinning wheel to slow it down.
2. How do bike brake calipers work?
Brake calipers are the component of a bicycle’s brake system that squeeze the brake pads against the wheel rims to slow the bicycle down. The calipers are mounted on the frame or fork of the bicycle, and are operated by a cable that runs from the brake levers to the calipers.
3. What are the benefits of using bike brake calipers?
Bike brake calipers offer several benefits over other types of brakes. They are lighter weight, more aerodynamic, and provide more stopping power. Additionally, calipers offer better modulation and feel, making them the preferred choice for many riders.
4. How do I choose the right bike brake caliper for my bike?
There is no definitive answer, as the best bike brake caliper for your bike depends on a number of factors, including the type of bike you have, your riding style, and your budget. However, some general tips on choosing the right bike brake caliper for your bike include:
– If you have a road bike, you will want a brake caliper that is designed for road biking, as these calipers are typically lighter and more aerodynamic than other types of brake calipers.
– If you have a mountain bike, you will want a brake caliper that is designed for mountain biking, as these calipers are typically more durable and offer more stopping power than other types of brake calipers.
– If you are a casual rider, you may not need a brake caliper that is as performance-oriented as one that is designed for competitive riders.
– If you are on a budget, you may want to consider a less expensive brake caliper, such as a v-brake caliper, as these typically offer good performance at a lower price point.
5. How do I install bike brake calipers?
Bike brake calipers typically attach to the frame of the bike with bolts. To install them, first line up the calipers with the holes in the frame. Then, use a Allen wrench or hex key to tighten the bolts until the calipers are secure. Make sure not to overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the calipers.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bike brake calipers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bike brake calipers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.