Product Story

When we set out to build this brake, nearly five years ago, we started with a clean slate. Then we tried all manner of wacky ideas but eventually wound our way back to the tried and true ball bearing in a ramp system. From there we concentrated on the details. We made the balls bigger for smoothness and increased pad travel. We hardened the steel where the balls contact the ramps. We used three hardened steel pins to locate the pad actuator. Instead of a plastic thrust washer we used a flat needle roller thrust bearing.

Then we moved onto the caliper body. This took countless drawing revisions and probably 20 prototypes. We added “fangs” to the inner backing plate for stiffness, and beefed up the outer caliper body where needed.

The pad adjusters went through a similar process. We wanted easy adjustability but staying power. For that we designed detents into the circumference, located with spring ball plungers.

We believe this is the best mechanical caliper ever made for a bicycle. It’s available in Long Pull, Short Pull, and Campagnolo pull. Just change the actuating arms, which are available separately here.

We decided not to make rotors. That’s a manufacturing process we do not do, and they are readily available. Floating rotors with large buttons (like Hope) might rub against the caliper, but we’ve had great results with Shimano Ice-Tech, Sram, Avid, and most other rotor brands. The included pads are Kool Stop sintered metallic.

As always, allow a couple short rides to bed in the pads. Around the 3rd ride, these brakes really start to BITE!

Replacement pads can be found HERE.

Please note that all of our brakes are sold per wheel.