How to Upgrade to Dual Pivot Calipers

Dual pivot calipers are a design of bicycle brake favored for use on many modern road bikes. The design features a pair of "caliper" arms, with one arm pivoting directly over the wheel and the second arm just to the side of the wheel. Like other road bike brakes, dual pivot brakes bolt directly into the frame. For front brakes, there is a mounting hole on the front fork, just above the front wheel. For rear brakes, there is a similar hole on the rear fork, just above the rear wheel. Before upgrading, take a moment to remove your old brakes from the bicycle.

Things You'll Need

• 5 mm Allen key
• All purpose bicycle grease

Instructions

Brake Mounting

1. Unscrew the mounting nut from the pivot bolt on the back of the dual-pivot brake and set it aside. Grease the threads of the pivot bolt.

2. Pass the pivot bolt through the front of the mounting hole on the frame. Hold the brake in place.

3. Press the mounting nut through the other end of the mounting hole and turn it clockwise to thread it onto the brake pivot bolt.

4. Tighten the bolt fully using a 5 mm Allen key. Center the brake by using your hands to rotating it left or right.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the other brake.

Brake Adjustment

1. Find the cable barrel adjuster and upper tip of the brake. The barrel adjuster is used to adjust brake cable tension.

2. Turn the barrel adjuster into the body of the brake and then back it out, in the opposite direction, three to four turns.

3. Thread the brake cable beneath the pinch bolt on the side of the brake. If necessary, loosen the pinch bolt a little, using a 5 mm Allen key.

4. Cup the caliper arms so that each one presses against the rim of the wheel. With the thumb and forefinger of the same hand, pull the end of the brake cable to remove slack.

5. Use your free hand and tighten the pinch bolt onto the cable, using the 5 mm Allen key. Let go of the brake and cable.

6. Turn the barrel adjuster in toward the body of the brake until each brake pad clears the rim by 3 to 4 mm. Each caliper has one pad. Turning the barrel in toward the brake will cause the calipers to gradually move away from the sides of the rim.

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 of this section for the other brake.

References

• ParkTool: Dual Pivot Brake Service
• "Bicycle Maintenance & Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes;" 2005; Todd Downs