
Introduction
Due to its direct mount standard and settings, the Bontrager brake caliper offers an unbeatable braking power for a rim brake. The brake is ultra-light as it only weighs around 116g, but is extremely strong. These brakes are compatible with front or rear mounts for integrated braking systems.
Although Bontrager brakes have an integrated brake caliper to ensure that the braking power is easily tune-able for perfect lever feel, not everybody knows how to begin to adjust these brakes.
Features of Bontrager Brakes
- Ultra-light direct mount caliper design.
- Compatible with Sram, Shimano, and Campagnolo system.
- Fully adjustable leverage ratio that works with all road levers.
- Includes brake pads for aluminum material.
- Tunable stopping power for dialing in the perfect lever feel.
Here is a helpful video showing the features of Bontrager’s direct mount brakes (courtesy of MarksCycleRepairs):
How To Adjust Bontrager Brakes
In this section, you will learn everything that you need to know about adjusting Bontrager brakes.
Centering
You will find the centering screw of Bontrager brakes in the center of the brake. This centering screw is held in place with a thread locker.
Note: The Bontrager brake quick-release is meant to be an “open/close” mechanism so that the tire can pass during a wheel change. You should not place the brake quick-release between these positions to adjust the pad spacing.
Rim Spacing
You can set up the Bontrager brakes to accommodate a wide range of rim widths by adjusting the brake’s spacer placement and power setting. 1mm spacers are positioned on the inside between the brake arms and spherical washers.
For rims widths that are 25mm or greater, you can move the washers to the outside of the brake between the pad holder washer and brake arm, or remove it entirely.
Narrow Carbon Rims
For carbon rims with 22mm width or less, you will need to use thicker brake pads. However, these spacers need to be on the inside of the brake arms. Since the braking power is a function of rim width, Bontrager brakes will be more powerful at narrow rim widths.
You can decrease the power by adjusting the power screw, which then provides an additional lever throw.
Here is a quick chart showing the rim width and where to place the spacer.
Rim Width (mm) | Spacer | Location/notes |
20-24 | Inside | Between spherical washer and arm |
25-28 | Outside | Between brake pad holder washer and arm |
Bontrager Braking Power
The braking power of Bontrager brakes is a function of leverage and a cable pull. You can change the power of your brake by turning the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is indicated by + and – sign.
Turn the screw clockwise to decrease the brake power. Turn the screw counterclockwise to increase the brake power.
Note: Ensure you do not remove the adjusting screw of Bontrager brakes.
Useful Links
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Bontrager/Speed-Stop-Integrated-Brake-Caliper/7XHA
https://www.alltricks.com/F-32743-etriers-de-frein/P-273809-bontrager_speed_stop_integrated_brake_caliper_black