Center pull calipers, caliper calipers, cantilever calipers, V-Brake calipers, Direct Mount calipers, delta calipers, U-Brake calipers, some are almost gone, d’ others are still on today's bikes and still others hit the market just a few years ago. Brake calipers are one of the essential components of a bicycle. Each practice has developed a specific model of brake caliper suitable for a specific use.
COMPARISON OF DIFFERENCESTS STIRRUPS | |||||
CALIPER (use) | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES | |||
Cantilever Stirrup (Cyclocross, vintage mountain bikes) | Progressive and powerful braking, suitable for wide tyres. | Complex skate adjustment. | |||
V-Brake Caliper (MTB, Trekking, VAE, urban bikes) | Powerful braking, easy adjustment and maintenance, rigidity and resistance. | Progressive braking, pad position close to the rim. | |||
Stirrup Caliper - side pull (road and urban bikes) | Braking responsiveness, ease of adjustment. | Progressive braking, centering position of the caliper to be checked, lack of rigidity. | |||
U-Brake Caliper (BMX Freestyle uniquely) | Progressive, compact and resistant braking. | Limited braking power. | |||
Delta Stirrup (Old High End Road Bikes) | Avant-garde appearance. | Weight and performance. | |||
Direct Mount Caliper (Road Bikes) | Braking power and progressiveness, weight, adjustment of each independent arm, suitable for wide tyres. | Compatibility of frame and fork support parts. | |||
Center pull caliper (All types of old bikes - road and urban) | Progressive braking. | Adjustment, lack of adaptation on wide tyres. |
Why introduce you to brake pads when the industry is on the way to disc braking? VSar rim braking still has a bright future ahead of it. This small part at the end of the brake chain is more than an accessory, it is of paramount importance. Each caliper model has its own pads, cartridges, rubbers and shoes. For your safety, each element must fit together perfectly and their compatibility is essential.
Historically made of rubber, skates have evolved to improve performance. Today, many models are made of carbon or composite materials (compounds of rubber, reinforced elastomer par aramid, a synthetic fiber, …). The brake pad rubbers are also adapted to the materials of the rims (carbon, aluminium).
The brake pads differ par their structure:
- Monoblock. On these entry-level models, the pad is attached to its support. If the rubber wears out, it must be completely replaced.
- HAS cartouche. The eraser can be changed independently of the medium par an identical or compatible model.
- HAS rod (monoblock or cartridge) for Cantilever type brakes.
- Multi-position for all V-Brakes calipers and some Cantilever. They allow the skate to be positioned with precision.
- Long, asymmetrical for mountain bikes or cantilever models. They follow the curvature of the rim or are offsetar relative to the fixing axis.
Every cyclist must also check your braking system regularly, from the wear of the skates to the condition of the cable and sheaths