Posted at: Sep. 12, 2022
Mechanical (mechanical) disc brake calipers are ideal for ease of maintenance and as an upgrade from rim brake components. Models from major manufacturers are listed below.
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Shimano is shifting to hydraulic discs as its main choice for both road and MTB. In terms of road-oriented components, TIAGRA and above are hydraulic-only, and CLARIS has no disc brakes, so SORA is the only mechanical disc brake.
The ULTEGRA-grade BR-CX77 and 105-grade BR-R517 are no longer in production, so the two choices available now are the post-mounted BR-R317 and flat-mounted BR-RS305.
Both of these brakes work well, but are inferior to the EQUAL and TRP brakes described below in terms of braking power. However, Shimano is still the best in terms of availability of replacement parts and cost performance.
| Model Number | Manufacturer | Type | Weight | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR-RS305 | Shimano | Mechanical | - | Flat mount |
| BR-R317 | Shimano | Mechanical | 215g | Post mount |
| BR-CX77 | Shimano | Mechanical | 159g | Post mount |
| BR-R517 | Shimano | Mechanical | - | Post mount |
EQUAL is a mechanical disc brake system released in 2022 by Growtac, a Japanese manufacturer famous for its roller stands.
The great thing about EQUAL is that even though it is a mechanical type, it provides a feeling and braking force similar to that of hydraulic brakes. The EQUAL was originally a brake with a high reputation, but once it was actually put on sale, users who installed it gave it high marks one after another, and it became so popular that it was frequently sold out in various places.
The top-class light weight of the brake caliper itself (136g) and the fact that not only flat-mount models but also post-mount models are available in the lineup are also factors in the high evaluation of this product.
As of 2022, they are the strongest mechanical disc brakes available.
| Model Number | Manufacturer | Type | Weight | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQUAL | Growtac | Mechanical | 136g | Flat mount/Post mount |
TRP is a higher grade of Tektro, a standard complete bicycle series. SPYRE and SPYKE (MTB) series are available for mechanical disc brakes, but the SPYRE series is for road use.
TRP’s SPYRE series has very lightweight brake calipers, with the higher grade SPYRE FLAT MOUNT SLC weighing 146 g. It uses the flat mount type, which is the current mainstream.
The lineup also includes the HY/RD FLAT MOUNT, a hybrid with mechanical wire pull and hydraulic pistons.
| Model Number | Manufacturer | Type | Weight | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPYRE FLAT MOUNT SLC | TRP | Mechanical | 146g | Flat Mount |
| SPYRE FLAT MOUNT | TRP | Mechanical | 154g | Flat mount |
| HY/RD FLAT MOUNT | TRP | Mechanical & Hydraulic Hybrid | 205g | Flat Mount |
SRAM’s mechanical disc brake series is Avid, which is highly regarded for its braking power similar to that of hydraulic systems despite being mechanical.
The Avid BB7 and Avid BB5 are quite old models, but they are still available with compatible pads, making them surprisingly easy brakes to choose from.
Note that they are all post-mounted, so you will need a conversion adapter to install them on a flat-mounted chassis.
| Model Number | Manufacturer | Type | Weight | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid BB7SL | SRAM | Mechanical | 170g | Post mount |
| Avid BB7S | SRAM | Mechanical | 197g | Post mount |
| Avid BB7 | SRAM | Mechanical | - | Post mount |
| Avid BB5 | SRAM | Mechanical | - | Post Mount |
Finally, here is a comparison of mechanical disc brake calipers from the major manufacturers introduced so far.
| Model Number | Manufacturer | Type | Weight | Mount Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BR-RS305 | Shimano | Mechanical | - | Flat mount |
| BR-R317 | Shimano | Mechanical | 215g | Post mount |
| BR-CX77 | Shimano | Mechanical | 159g | Post mount |
| BR-R517 | Shimano | Mechanical | - | Post mount |
| EQUAL | Growtac | Mechanical | 136g | Flat mount/Post mount |
| SPYRE FLAT MOUNT SLC | TRP | Mechanical | 146g | Flat Mount |
| SPYRE FLAT MOUNT | TRP | Mechanical | 154g | Flat mount |
| HY/RD FLAT MOUNT | TRP | Mechanical & Hydraulic Hybrid | 205g | Flat Mount |
| Avid BB7SL | SRAM | Mechanical | 170g | Post mount |
| Avid BB7S | SRAM | Mechanical | 197g | Post mount |
| Avid BB7 | SRAM | Mechanical | - | Post mount |
| Avid BB5 | SRAM | Mechanical | - | Post Mount |
In terms of specifications, Growtac’s EQUAL is still very superior. However, considering price, Shimano’s BR-RS305 cosmetics, and TRP’s SPYRE FLAT MOUNT SLC, which is almost as lightweight as EQUAL and available at about 2/3 the price, are also excellent.
If you are upgrading from a current disc brake car, which is mainly a flat-mount type, these are the three choices.
For older post-mounted cars, Shimano’s BR-R317 and SRAM’s Avid BB7S are excellent upgrades.
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