After years of thorough development, design iterations, and aggro field testing, the most highly anticipated product of the year for Made in the USA Component aficionados has finally landed. Perhaps finally the last rim brake holdouts can broaden their stopping world view now that Paul Component Engineering has developed disc brakes. Meet the new calipers on the block that are sure to stop you in your tracks after the jump.
One thing you can count on is that Paul Price, Founder and Lead Instigator at Paul Component Engineering, wasn’t going to go to the disc side of braking without a fully cooked product. There was a lot of pressure for his debut disc caliper to be as dialed and clever as the rim brakes he is famous for.
Unwilling to simply adopt established technology as is, Paul started with a clean sheet, testing a variety of different pad actuation strategies before arriving back at the “tried and true ball bearing in a ramp system.” The ball bearings are larger than those of other manufacturers for increased smoothness in actuation and greater pad travel- meaning you won’t have to worry so much about rotors staying perfectly true and you won’t have to constantly fiddle with the adjustment.
But along with that, the most prominent character in the caliper design is the large orange adjuster wheel, designed to be simple to actuate (even for the less dexterous of us) so your pads are easily adjustable. And it’s easy to read.
Most exciting to me, at least, and a boon to the other who never stop switching out parts on their bikes, is the option to replace the actuator arm for short or long pull brake levers. Purchase short pull but need long pull for these cool new levers down the road? Order a new arm, $30 a piece, also available in black or silver.
The calipers come standard with Kool-Stop brake pads (but not rotors), are constructed from 6061 aluminum, and weigh in at 211g each.
PAUL is currently offering the Klamper for limited release. If you miss out on this batch, it will be later this Summer before you will have another chance. $179 per caliper, available in silver or black, short or long pull.