A caliper in a bike is a braking component, most commonly a caliper brake, which uses a clamping mechanism to slow or stop the bicycle by applying friction to the wheel rim. It's a common and reliable braking system.
Caliper Brakes Explained
Caliper brakes are one of the most prevalent types of brakes found on bicycles, particularly road bikes and youth bikes. They are popular due to their simplicity, effectiveness, and relatively low weight. Here's a breakdown:
- Function: Caliper brakes function by squeezing brake pads against the rim of the wheel. When the rider pulls the brake lever, a cable pulls on the caliper arms, causing the brake pads to press against the rim, generating friction and slowing the bike.
- Types: There are several types of caliper brakes:
- Side-pull Calipers: These are the most common type. The brake arms pivot on a central bolt, and the cable pulls on one arm, causing both pads to move towards the rim.
- Center-pull Calipers: In these, the cable pulls from the center of the caliper, resulting in a more even distribution of braking force. They're less common now but were popular in the past.
- Dual-pivot Calipers: An improved version of side-pull calipers, offering increased stopping power and better modulation (control). This is achieved through a more complex lever system.
- Advantages:
- Simple Design: Easy to maintain and repair.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to the bike.
- Effective Braking: Provides adequate stopping power for most riding conditions, especially on road bikes.
- Disadvantages:
- Rim Dependent: Braking performance can be affected by wet or dirty rims.
- Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions: Less effective in muddy or off-road conditions where disc brakes excel.
In summary, a caliper in a bike, most often referring to a caliper brake, is a rim brake using a clamping mechanism for slowing or stopping the bike, known for its simplicity and effectiveness, and widely used especially on road bikes.
