Beyond the BB7: Paul Klamper and TRP Spyre Mechanical Disc Brakes
By: Adventure Cycling
Tags: Cycling, Bikes

By Nick Legan

There is little arguing that disc brakes offer added stopping power and better modulation, especially in adverse conditions. But for adventure and touring cyclists, the ability to adjust or repair a component roadside is paramount. Many hydraulic disc brake systems are extremely reliable, but for increased peace of mind, many of us like a mechanical disc brake. By carrying a spare set of pads and sourcing a brake cable available at any bike shop, a bike can carry its rider far and wide. Mechanical disc brakes offer the added benefit that they are compatible with many types of brake levers, sidestepping almost all compatibility issues. They are also, for the most part, cheaper than hydraulic options. The only downsides to mechanical disc brakes are the necessity to adjust the brake as pads wear (hydraulics do this automatically) and weigh a bit more when compared to the latest hydraulic systems.

Paul Components Klamper

The mechanical disc brake standard for well over a decade has been Avid’s venerable BB7 caliper. Easy to set up, reliable and inexpensive, I’ve used BB7s on dozens of bikes with zero problems whether mountain biking, bikepacking, road riding or exploring gravel roads. And while Avid issued a lighter, more attractive version of the BB7 in 2012 with the ti-hardware SL version, the BB7 is long in the tooth. This can lead to wandering eyes and when Paul Components began teasing its new Klamper disc brake, we began foaming at the mouth.

Paul Components is synonymous with high-quality, made-in-America bike parts. In my experience, they are thoughtfully developed, thoroughly tested, and made to very high standards. When we got our grimy hands on a pair to test, I eagerly installed them just days before a gravel race in Oklahoma. The setup was fantastic. These brakes were made with mechanics in mind. They make sense with independent adjustment of both the actuating piston and the fixed piston and a built-in cable adjuster. Paul’s three years of development was obvious.

The venerable Avid BB7-Road S

After a couple rides to bed-in the pads, I packed up my bike and drove east for the Land Run 100 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. While gravel races are rarely won in the corners, braking is always important, especially in slick conditions. The Land Run has a reputation for destroying bikes with its red clay mud. This year was no exception. Rain fell the night before the race and on the start line a foggy mist enveloped the riders. The first 25 miles of the course had numerous hike-a-bikes through deep mud. With varying amounts of moisture, the mud changed from wet spray to thick peanut butter. Through it all, the Klampers worked a treat. I ran small 140-millimeter rotors and had all the stopping power I needed. Modulation was great and despite being lacquered with mud, the Klampers’ action remained smooth over the course of my eight-hour day.

Paul’s Klampers use Avid Elixir-style brake pads, a good thing as they’re readily available. Unlike the BB7 pads, these clear Shimano rotors easily and give you the option to run virtually any brand rotor.

It’s not often that adding weight to your bike would be considered an upgrade, but the svelte look, fantastic lever feel and wonderful adjustability of Paul’s Klamper brakes does just that. And the weight added is minor. At 220 grams for the caliper, pads, and mounting bolts, the Klampers are 15 grams per wheel heavier than Avid BB7 brakes.

At $179 per wheel, Paul’s Klampers are not cheap. But the quality is typical for Paul Components and I expect they’ll last for many decades to come. To compare, Avid’s BB7 brakes retail for $69 per wheel and come with a rotor. The lighter BB7 SL brakes go for $170.

One nice feature on the Klampers is that you can change the pull ratio from short to long or vice versa by purchasing different actuator arms from Paul for $30 per brake. This helps to keep the brakes relevant if you ever sell a bike or decide to use a flat bar instead of a drop bar. The brakes are sold with either arm as an option.

In the end, I think much of the value proposition that Paul Components is extending has to do with a refined feel, top quality and an American made product. They are unapologetic about the price and based on the performance, no apology is required.