Paul Klamper Disc Calipers: Engineering Excellence

When it comes to bicycle components, few names resonate with the same blend of precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship as Paul Components. Their commitment to quality is perhaps best exemplified in the Paul Klamper Disc Calipers, a product born from nearly four years of dedicated development and countless hours of refinement. This isn't just another brake caliper; it's a testament to the pursuit of perfection, designed, tested, and manufactured entirely in-house to deliver what Paul Components confidently calls the best mechanical caliper ever made for a bicycle.

The journey to creating the Klamper began with a clean slate, allowing the engineers at Paul Components to explore a myriad of innovative concepts. While many unconventional ideas were explored, the development eventually circled back to the tried and true ball bearing in a ramp system. However, this wasn't a mere rehash; it was an opportunity to elevate an established design by concentrating on every minute detail, pushing the boundaries of what a mechanical disc brake could achieve.

The Genesis of the Klamper: A Development Story

The four-year development cycle for the Klamper underscores Paul Components' unwavering dedication. It wasn't a rush to market but a methodical process of iteration and improvement. Starting from scratch, the design team experimented with various mechanisms, ultimately refining the ball bearing and ramp system that forms the heart of the Klamper's smooth and powerful operation. This foundational decision allowed them to focus on optimising the system for unparalleled performance and durability.

Engineering Excellence: The Klamper's Core Innovations

Every aspect of the Klamper has been scrutinised and perfected, resulting in a brake that stands out in a crowded market. The focus was not just on functionality but on enhancing the rider's experience through superior feel and consistent performance.

• Larger Ball Bearings: A key innovation was the incorporation of larger ball bearings. This seemingly minor change significantly enhances the smoothness of the brake's action, ensuring a fluid and progressive feel at the lever. Larger balls also contribute to increased pad travel, offering more modulation and control.
• Hardened Steel Contact Points: Durability is paramount, especially in a component subjected to constant friction and force. Paul Components addressed this by using hardened steel where the ball bearings contact the ramps. This critical enhancement prevents wear and tear, ensuring the brake maintains its precise operation over countless rides.
• Three Hardened Steel Pins: The pad actuator, a crucial element in transmitting braking force, is precisely located by three hardened steel pins. This robust arrangement ensures consistent pad alignment and prevents any unwanted movement, contributing to predictable and reliable braking.
• Needle Roller Thrust Bearing: Moving beyond conventional designs, Paul Components opted for a flat needle roller thrust bearing instead of a plastic thrust washer. This premium component dramatically reduces friction within the mechanism, leading to an exceptionally smooth lever feel and highly efficient power transfer from the lever to the pads.
• Reinforced Caliper Body: The caliper body itself underwent rigorous refinement. After countless drawing revisions and approximately 20 prototypes, the final design emerged with strategically beefed-up sections where needed most. The addition of "fangs" to the inner backing plate further enhances stiffness, minimising flex and ensuring maximum braking power is delivered directly to the rotor.
• Detented Pad Adjusters: Achieving easy and precise pad adjustment while ensuring it stays put was another design challenge. Paul Components engineered detents into the circumference of the pad adjusters, which are located with spring ball plungers. This ingenious solution provides tactile feedback during adjustment and guarantees that your chosen pad position remains secure, even over rough terrain.

Compatibility and Performance: What You Need to Know

The Paul Klamper Disc Calipers are designed with versatility in mind, catering to a wide range of bicycle setups and rider preferences.

Pull Types:

To accommodate various brake lever and shifter combinations, the Klamper is available in three distinct pull types:

• Long Pull: Ideal for mountain bike levers and V-brake levers.
• Short Pull: Suitable for road bike levers and cantilever brake levers.
• Campagnolo Pull: Specifically designed for Campagnolo road brake levers, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance with Campagnolo drivetrains.

Rotor Compatibility:

While Paul Components does not manufacture rotors, the Klamper is designed to work seamlessly with a wide array of existing rotor brands. They have had great results with popular options such as Shimano Ice-Tech, SRAM, and Avid. However, it's worth noting that floating rotors with large buttons, like those from Hope, might potentially rub against the caliper body. For optimal performance and clearance, it's advisable to check compatibility or opt for rotors with smaller or integrated button designs.

Brake Pads:

Each set of Klamper Disc Calipers comes equipped with high-quality Kool Stop sintered metallic brake pads. These pads are renowned for their durability and excellent stopping power, especially in wet or adverse conditions. As with any new brake pads, a short bedding-in period is necessary. Paul Components advises allowing a couple of rides for the pads to properly bed in with your rotors. Typically, around the third ride, you'll notice these brakes truly start to BITE, delivering their full stopping potential.

It's important to remember that all Paul Components brakes are sold per wheel. Therefore, if you require brakes for both the front and rear of your bicycle, you will need to purchase two calipers. Rotors are not included, but the high-performance Kool Stop sintered metallic pads are.

Why Choose Paul Klamper Calipers?

Choosing Paul Klamper Disc Calipers means investing in a product built on principles of durability, precision, and unparalleled performance. The fact that they are 100% designed, tested, and manufactured in-house speaks volumes about the control Paul Components maintains over the quality and consistency of their products. This hands-on approach ensures that every caliper leaving their facility meets the highest standards. Their dedication to a robust, smooth, and powerful mechanical brake makes the Klamper an exceptional choice for riders seeking reliability and top-tier performance without the complexities of hydraulic systems.

Maximising Your Investment: The KLAMPAIR Discount

For those looking to equip their bike with the superior stopping power of Paul Klamper Disc Calipers, Paul Components offers a compelling incentive. By using the discount code KLAMPAIR when you purchase two or more Klamper Disc Calipers, you can receive 15% off your order. This makes it an ideal opportunity to upgrade both your front and rear brakes with these meticulously engineered calipers, ensuring a consistent and high-performance braking experience across your entire bicycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's included when I purchase Paul Klamper Disc Calipers?

Each Klamper Disc Caliper is sold per wheel. It includes one caliper and a set of Kool Stop sintered metallic brake pads. Rotors are not included and must be purchased separately.

How long does it take for the Klamper brakes to 'bed in' and achieve full power?

Paul Components recommends allowing a couple of short rides for the pads to properly bed in. You should notice the brakes really start to 'bite' and deliver their full stopping power around the third ride.

Can I use any disc rotor with Paul Klamper calipers?

The Klamper calipers are compatible with most rotor brands, including popular options like Shimano Ice-Tech, SRAM, and Avid. However, floating rotors with large buttons (e.g., some Hope models) might cause rubbing against the caliper body. It's best to use rotors with smaller button designs or solid rotors for optimal clearance.

What pull types are available for the Klamper?

Paul Klamper Disc Calipers are available in three pull types to suit different lever setups: Long Pull (for mountain bike/V-brake levers), Short Pull (for road/cantilever levers), and Campagnolo Pull (specifically for Campagnolo road levers).

Where are Paul Klamper Disc Calipers manufactured?

Paul Klamper Disc Calipers are 100% designed, tested, and manufactured in-house by Paul Components, ensuring strict quality control and a commitment to American craftsmanship.

Is there a discount available for purchasing multiple Klamper calipers?

Yes, you can receive 15% off your purchase when you buy two or more Paul Components Klamper Disc Calipers. Simply use the discount code KLAMPAIR at checkout.

In summary, the Paul Klamper Disc Calipers represent the pinnacle of mechanical disc brake design. Through relentless development and an unwavering focus on detail, Paul Components has crafted a brake that delivers exceptional smoothness, power, and durability. It's a premium choice for riders who demand the best from their equipment, offering a reliable and high-performance braking solution built to last.

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