Written by Clifford Lee
Paul Components officially unveiled their disc brake caliper, the Klamper, for Interbike 2014. © Cyclocross Magazine
Paul Components officially introduced the Klamper mechanical disc brake caliper at Interbike this year. It is a beautifully machined single piston mechanical caliper that Paul worked hard to make lighter, smoother and easier to adjust than the competition.
Paul Components Engineering has been making parts for 25 years, and the CNC machined Klamper looks to uphold the tradition of high quality aluminum parts. © Cyclocross Magazine
Paul specifically wanted the pad adjuster dials to be easy to use in the field, without tools (which is a far cry from the array of tools used to adjust Shimano’s CX77, much like our complaints of the earlier CX75 we reviewed). Paul also wanted progressive pad actuation for the best lever feel. The Klamper is made for the relatively short cable pull of road levers and is aimed at the cyclocross and road market.
The above design has been cut out to show the internals of the caliper. Not only is the action smooth with the roller thrust bearing, but Paul made the adjustment a synch. © Cyclocross Magazine
Using a roller thrust bearing and precise machining the action is light and smooth on the pre-production display models. It uses brake pads compatible with Avid Elixir, so replacement pads will be easy to find in both organic and metallic versions.
The price of the calipers doesn’t only translate to a smooth action as reported by Cliff Lee, but the reported weight is considerably lighter than equivocal models like the Avid BB7SL. © Cyclocross Magazine
The claimed weight per caliper is 199 grams putting the Klamper well below the TRP Spyre SC and Avid BB7SL. The yet-to-be determined cost is approximately $220 per caliper, and the Klamper won’t be available to the public until March 2015, just after ’cross season.
Stay tuned for a much anticipated review of the Klamper.
