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Does anyone had recommendations for mtb brake callipers to use with dropbar grips?

Lieven Gorinsek

User Name Location

Posted in Component Selection
  • Michael Schoenbaum

    Michael Schoenbaum
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    Bethesda, United States

    For mechanical, one needs to match the pull ratio of the levers to the brakes, as others have said. Most drop bar levers are short pull, and various mechanical calipers are available for short pull (e.g., TRP Spyre, Paul Klamper). For hydraulic, I use TRP Hylex drop bar levers with Shimano XT brake calipers, and that works fine. My understanding is also that Shimano‘s drop bar levers are compatible with Shimano MTB calipers, but one can confirm that in Shimano‘s compatibility documentation.

  • Logan Watts

    Logan Watts
    Member Since 2012
    94 Verified Score

    As William pointed out, the short/long pull differences can be an issue if trying to mix and match. Klampers might be your best bet in that regard since they come in both flavors.

  • Vigier Yoan

    Vigier Yoan
    0 Verified Score
    Mont Saxonnex, France

    Bonjour, Si c'est du frein mécanique il faut faire attention au tirage. Si c'est hydraulique, je ne pense pas qu'il y ai de problème. Juste faire attention si c'est du DOT ou Minerale.

  • William Kessler

    William Kessler
    Member Since 2022
    8 Verified Score
    Cambridge, United States

    If you are interested in mechanical (cable) brakes. I believe most commonly dropbar levers are 'short pull' whereas mountain mechanical mountain bike brake calipers are commonly'long pull'. There are exceptions- Paul Klamper mechanical disc brakes come in long or short pull, and those are a very well respected brake caliper. If you are looking for hydraulic mtb brakes, here is a handy guide for SRAM brakes https://www.sram.com/globalassets/document-hierarchy/compatibility-map/mtb-and-road-hydraulic-disc-brake-lever-and-caliper-compatibility.pdf

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