Modified at: Mar. 8, 2023
Posted at: Sep. 12, 2022
Mechanical disc brake calipers are easy to maintain and a low-cost way to upgrade from rim brake components to disc brakes. We have lined up models from major manufacturers and compared them.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Shimano is shifting to hydraulic discs as its main focus for both road and MTB. In terms of road-oriented components, TIAGRA and above are the only hydraulic components in the lineup, and CLARIS has no disc brakes. In other words, Shimano’s only mechanical disc brake for road use is SORA.
The ULTEGRA-grade BR-CX77 and 105-grade BR-R517 are no longer in production, so the two options available now are the post-mounted BR-R317 and flat-mounted BR-RS305. Since most current disc brake road bike frames are flat-mounted, it is not too much to say that the BR-RS305 is the only choice.
Both brakes work well, but in terms of braking power, they are inferior to the EQUAL and TRP mentioned below. 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.
Not only are the brakes effective, but the brake caliper itself is one of the lightest in its class at 136g. It also contributes to weight reduction of disc brake road bikes, which tend to be heavy in weight.
In addition, the lineup includes not only flat-mount models but also post-mount models, making them compatible not only with current flat-mount frames but also with post-mount frames that are common on older disc-brake road bikes, cross bikes, and MTB bikes.
These “this is what I wanted” specifications are also a factor in their high evaluation, and it is no exaggeration to say that they are the strongest mechanical disc brakes available as of 2023.
| 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.
Both of these models are said to have good braking performance and feel for mechanical brakes, but since they were released several years ago, their performance may not be as good as that of the latest disc brake calipers.
The SPYRE series also includes the SPYRE C model, which is an OEM model for complete bikes. Its performance is equivalent to that of the SPYRE FLAT MOUNT.
| 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 options. 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 would be the best upgrades.
Mechanical disc brakes are a niche genre slightly outside the current disc road bike trend, but with the advent of Growtac’s EQUAL, “ease of adjustment” and “ease of maintenance” have been rediscovered, and the number of users who love them is increasing.
If you are concerned about hydraulic disc brakes, consider mechanical disc brakes.
Sponsored Link
What is a Tire Insert? Advantages and Disadvantages
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
Summary of Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility
This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.
TPI, Compound, Tread? Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
What is a torque wrench? Advantages and disadvantages of torque management
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
The bead won't come up! How to raise the bead on tubeless tires
Bead raising" is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
What is bicycle disc rotor distortion? What causes it and how to correct the distortion
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
Tubeless is reassuring to have! Summary of air pumps with booster/boost function
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
What is hookless rim? Advantages, Disadvantages and Points to Consider When Choosing
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels?
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? We have compiled a list of points to note when choosing a wheel.
What to do when you get a flat tire with a tubeless or tubeless ready tire
Tubeless tires have seen a dramatic increase in the number of users over the past few years. Even with tubeless and tubeless ready tires, punctures cannot be reduced to zero. The following is a summary of the causes of punctures and how to deal with them.
How to check compatible tires from wheel specs
When trying to change tire thickness on a road bike or other sport bicycle, it is important to know what tire size the wheel will allow. In this article, we will show you how to find out which tires are compatible with your wheel based on its specifications.
What is a tubeless valve? Types and How to Choose
The tubeless valve is an essential item for tubeless use. What is a tubeless valve, tubeless valve types, and how to select one are summarized below.
What is SRAM's XDR and XD? What is the difference from Shimano?
The following is a summary of SRAM's proprietary XD and XDR standards, what makes them different from Shimano's, and what to look for when purchasing.
Summary of Shimano wide ratio sprockets for road bikes
Shimano wide-ratio sprockets for road bikes are listed here, including compatibility by step number.
Summary of 12-speed chains for use with Shimano road bike and MTB components
We have compiled a list of 12-speed chains that can be used with Shimano road bike and MTB components. Also about chain compatibility with chains from manufacturers other than Shimano.
Types of bicycle disc brake mounts, how to recognize them, and how to choose an adapter.
Mounting adapters for bicycle disc brakes are essential when changing calipers with different standards or rotor sizes. This section explains the types of mount adapters, how to recognize them, and the model numbers of Shimano's mount adapters.
Inside, outside serrations? Types of center lock locking rings
There are two types of lock rings for center locking disc brakes, inner serration and outer serration. The following is a summary of the differences and how to select the right one.
What is a Through Axle? Types and How to Choose
Through-axle is becoming a major fixation method for disc brake wheels. What is a through-axle? Here is a summary of what types are available.
Difference between 700C and 650B, advantages and disadvantages
With the popularity of gravel road bikes and the spread of disc brakes, the choice of road bike wheel size has become not only the standard 700C, but also 650B. In this issue, we will look at the differences between 700C and 650B, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Types of disc brake rotors and how to select them
Disc brake rotors are an unassuming part, but they have a significant impact on the effectiveness of disc brakes. We have compiled a list of the different types of rotors, how to select one, and the lineup of rotors from major manufacturers.