Best Rim Bike Brake Calipers of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Rim bike brake calipers are an essential component of any bicycle's braking system. They are designed to clamp onto the rim of the wheel, providing a reliable and efficient way to slow down or stop the bike. Rim brake calipers come in a variety of styles and designs, including side pull, center pull, and dual pivot. They are typically made from lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the bike. Rim brake calipers are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice for both recreational and competitive cyclists alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LITEONE Bike Brakes Calipers Cover #TOP 1
LITEONE Bike Brakes Calipers
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cyclesavvy Double Pivot Road Bike Brakes Cover #TOP 2
Cyclesavvy Double Pivot Road Bike Brakes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SHIMANO Ultegra Br-R8100 Front Brake Cover #TOP 3
SHIMANO Ultegra Br-R8100 Front Brake
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Rim Bike Brake Calipers

LITEONE Bike Brakes Calipers

Black
Black
standard size
LITEONE Bike Brakes Calipers Cover
Bike Brakes Calipers, Bicycle Rim C Type Brake Sets, Front and Rear Side Pull C Caliper Brake with 48mm Pads and 4.33In Long Arm Fit for Most Road Bicycle, 1 Pair, Black

The LITEONE Caliper Brake Set offers you sensitive braking with premium rubber pads that ensure a safe and smooth ride without damaging your tires. Made of durable aluminum alloy, these brakes are resistant to various weather conditions, ensuring sensitivity when you need it. Installing these brakes is a breeze, allowing for quick replacement and adjustment. With adjustable brake pad height and wide applications, these calipers fit most bike tires and respond quickly to your brake handle, enhancing safety on your cycling adventures.

What We Like
Sensitive braking
Durable aluminum alloy
Easy installation
Wide applications

Cyclesavvy Double Pivot Road Bike Brakes

Cyclesavvy
Black
Medium
Cyclesavvy Double Pivot Road Bike Brakes Cover
Cyclesavvy Double Pivot Road Bike Brakes - Aluminum Side Pull Caliper Set for Front and Rear,Rim Brakes for 700x28C Tires, Compatible with Standard Bike Brakes Specifications

The Cyclesavvy Road Bike Brakes offer a powerful and smooth braking experience that enhances your riding safety. With their double pivot design, you’ll enjoy improved stopping power and effortless brake engagement. Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, these brakes resist wear and flex, ensuring long-lasting performance. They are perfect for accommodating wide tires and come in various sizes, making them versatile for different bike setups. Additionally, installation is quick and easy, allowing you to upgrade your brakes without hassle and significantly enhance your bike's overall braking performance.

What We Like
Enhanced stopping power
Durable aluminum construction
Versatile for wide tires
Easy installation
#TOP 3

SHIMANO Ultegra Br-R8100 Front Brake

Shimano
Grey
Front
SHIMANO Ultegra Br-R8100 Front Brake Cover
SHIMANO Ultegra Br-R8100 Brake Caliper Grey, Front

The SHIMANO Ultegra Brake Caliper is crafted from durable aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy performance for your bike. Its rim caliper design provides effective braking power, enhancing your control and safety while riding. With a standard mount type, installation is straightforward, allowing you to set it up quickly. This caliper is compatible with various levers and brake pads, including the Shimano R55C4 series, giving you flexibility in your braking system. Enjoy a reliable and efficient braking experience with this high-quality component.

What We Like
Durable aluminum construction
Effective rim braking
Easy installation
Compatible with multiple pads
#TOP 4

NUHFUFA Bicycle Front Side Pull Brake V Caliper

NUHFUFA
Black
standard
NUHFUFA Bicycle Front Side Pull Brake V Caliper Cover
NUHFUFA Bicycle Front Side Pull Brake V Caliper, Replacement Kit for Mountain Bike, Folding Bike Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Rim Brake Clamp Brake with Brake Pads

NUHFUFA Front Brake Kit is a crucial bicycle component for controlling speed and ensuring safe stops. The set includes a front side brake suitable for various bike types. By squeezing brake pads against the rim, it slows down the wheel rotation, operated by a handlebar lever. Made of premium aluminum alloy, the V brake caliper arm is durable and rust-resistant with wear-resistant rubber brake pads. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and safety, including checking for wear, adjusting cable tension, and lubricating parts.

What We Like
Aluminum Alloy Construction
Efficient Braking
Durable and Rust-resistant
#TOP 5

SRAM Unisex's Brake Caliper D1 Rim

00.5118.022.001
Gray
front
SRAM Unisex's Brake Caliper D1 Rim Cover
SRAM Red AXS Front Road Brake Caliper with 16mm Nut, Pad Compound for Carbon Rims, D1

This bike brake caliper is a revolutionary innovation that delivers unmatched performance, making it the perfect choice for achieving the ultimate ride.

What We Like
Revolutionary innovation
Unmatched performance
Ideal for achieving the ultimate ride
#TOP 6

Aluminum Alloy Road Bicycle C Brake Caliper Set

Alomejor
Alomejor5cggrukat2989
Aluminum Alloy Road Bicycle C Brake Caliper Set Cover
C Brake Front Rear Set Road Calipers Aluminum Alloy Road C Brake Caliper Pull Brake Set Cycling Front Rear Rim Brake Clamp

This road bicycle C brake caliper set features a symmetrical design that provides equal force and stable braking, resulting in a good braking effect. Its dual axis core design and self-lubricating bushings make braking force more sensitive and direct, minimizing friction and reducing braking force loss, thus making the braking force stronger. With an adjustable control tension and an angle adjustment device, this brake set is easy to install and fine-tune. Made of high-toughness aluminum material and rubber, this brake set is waterproof, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

What We Like
Good braking effect with equal force and stable braking.
Dual axis core design and self-lubricating bushings make braking force more sensitive and direct.
Adjustable control tension and angle adjustment device make it easy to install and fine-tune.
#TOP 7

VANZACK C-Brake Arm Rim Brake Set

VANZACK
59S19CADNY2311JOFGG
Black
7X8CM
VANZACK C-Brake Arm Rim Brake Set Cover
VANZACK A Pair of C-Brake Arm Rim Brake Sets Road Cycling Side Pull Brake Caliper Front and Rear V-Brake with 70mm Pads Long Arm 90mm Aluminum Alloy

The VANZACK Brake Caliper Set is designed for road cyclists seeking reliable performance. With a compact size and a brake pad length of 45mm, it fits a range of wheel sizes from 70mm to 90mm. The quick-release mechanism allows you to easily open the calipers, making wheel removal and installation a breeze. Made from durable aluminum alloy, this set is built to last while resisting wear and tear. The adjustable brake handle ensures you can customize the braking experience, giving you better control during your rides.

What We Like
Easy wheel removal
Durable aluminum alloy
Adjustable brake handle
Suitable for road bikes
#TOP 8

SHIMANO Ultegra BR-RS811 Rear Brake Caliper

Shimano
Grey
Rear
SHIMANO Ultegra BR-RS811 Rear Brake Caliper Cover
SHIMANO Ultegra Br-Rs811 Brake Caliper Grey, Rear

The SHIMANO Ultegra Brake Caliper is designed with precision and performance in mind. Made from lightweight aluminum, it ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight to your bike. The direct-mount caliper type allows for easy installation and a secure fit, giving you peace of mind as you ride. With compatibility for tires up to 28mm, you can enjoy a smooth and efficient braking experience. Plus, the two-year manufacturer warranty adds an extra layer of confidence in your purchase, allowing you to focus on your ride rather than maintenance.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum construction
Easy direct-mount installation
Compatible with wider tires
Two-year warranty
#TOP 9

SRAM Apex Rear Brake Caliper

146320
Black
Rear
SRAM Apex Rear Brake Caliper Cover
SRAM Apex Rear Brake Caliper Black

This bike brake caliper is designed by SRAM and is suitable for both male and female riders. It is a rim brake type that provides reliable and precise stopping power. The model number is HW16.

What We Like
Reliable and precise stopping power
Designed for both male and female riders
Easy installation on rim brakes
#TOP 10

SolUptanisu Road Bike Brake Calipers

SolUptanisu
SolUptanisuyz4sfr51ti
SolUptanisu Road Bike Brake Calipers Cover
Short Reach Brake Rim,Road Brake Calipers,1 Pair Road Brake Caliper ycle V Shape Mechanical DualPivot Brake Set Repair Parts Accessory for Mountain

SolUptanisu Brake Calipers are designed for road bikes and offer easy installation. Made of durable aluminum alloy, they provide reliable braking performance. The set includes front and rear calipers, ensuring cost-effective maintenance. The standard specifications guarantee quality and safety, meeting factory control standards. The wear-resistant brake pads and grooves enhance braking efficiency, making your cycling experience safer and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Easy Installation
Durable Aluminum Alloy
Front and Rear Set
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different types of rim brake calipers?

There are two types of rim brake calipers: single-pivot and dual-pivot. Single-pivot calipers have one pivot point, while dual-pivot calipers have two pivot points. Dual-pivot calipers offer more modulation and power compared to single-pivot calipers.

2. Is it worth buying a rim brake bike?

While disc brakes have become more popular, rim brakes still have advantages that make them worth considering. Rim brakes offer certain advantages that disc brakes cannot match. So, if you value these advantages, a rim brake bike can still be a good choice for you.

3. Are caliper brakes good for bikes?

The choice between caliper brakes and disc brakes depends on your specific needs. If you ride in all weather conditions, disc brakes offer more consistent braking performance. However, caliper brakes are lighter and may be preferable if weight is a priority for you.

4. Are all rim brake pads compatible with all caliper systems?

No, not all rim brake pads are compatible with all caliper systems. Brake pads are typically specific to the brake caliper model and manufacturer. It is important to match the brake pad to your specific brake caliper for proper fit and performance.

5. How do I know what brake calipers I have?

To identify your brake calipers, look for the ID tag which displays the caliper model and part number. The location of the adjuster and cast numbers can also help in identifying the caliper model and hand.

6. Can I convert my rim brakes to disc brakes?

Converting a rim brake bike to disc brakes is not a simple process and requires significant changes and investments. The bikes and brakes are different, so retrofitting with disc brakes involves substantial modifications to the bike.

7. What are the disadvantages of rim brakes?

Rim brakes have a few disadvantages. They are less powerful compared to hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes. Additionally, their performance decreases in wet or muddy conditions, and they can wear down or pit wheel rims, eventually requiring replacement.

8. Why are rim brakes better?

The main advantage of rim brakes is weight. Rim brake systems are generally lighter than disc brake systems, especially when you consider the weight of the rotor. This can be a significant factor for riders who prioritize weight savings.

9. Are bike brake calipers universal?

Bike brake calipers are not universal. Compatibility depends on the specific bike. Whether a caliper fits or not depends on factors such as the bike's design and requirements. It is important to inspect your existing calipers or consult the exact model to determine compatibility.

Editor's Notes

During our rim bike brake caliper research, we found 24 rim bike brake caliper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,742 customer reviews through our big data system to write the rim bike brake calipers list. We found that most customers choose rim bike brake calipers with an average price of $26.27.

The rim bike brake calipers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of rim bike brake calipers, including LITEONE, Cyclesavvy, SHIMANO, NUHFUFA, SRAM. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 194 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.