swft
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
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posted December 15, 2002 11:18 AM
WHY RADIAL CALIPERS?
Radial calliper brakes are so called because of the radial arrangement of the calliper fixing bolts, which are positioned around the radius of the disk.
The advantage with radial callipers is that the calliper is fixed at both ends of the fork's mounting block. This holds the calliper far more rigidly, allowing it to work more precisely and without flexing. The advantage becomes clear if you consider that on traditional callipers the end furthest from the mounting block is normally left "floating"; so that correct pad positioning is left entirely to the calliper's own rigidity. The mounting block is also easier to manufacture for radial callipers thanks to the extremely torsion-resistant closed honeycomb structure.
Since braking force is applied at a point offset from the calliper fixing point, braking generates a torsional force that tends to rotate the calliper. The calliper's rigidity is the only force that counteracts this. Radial fixing is superior to conventional fixing precisely because the rigidity of the entire braking system is such an important characteristic. The fact that radial callipers are now used generally in racing proves the point.
The advantages for the rider are:
More effective braking.
A more immediate brake response to rider input, with almost total elimination of free lever movement due to calliper flexing.
Extended brake pad life. With radially fixed callipers the pads work in more precise alignment with the disk, because the calliper is rigidly aligned with its theoretically optimum working position even during fierce braking. This extends pad life by guaranteeing perfect pad alignment and even pad wear.
More constant braking effect with less difference in efficiency between hot and cold.
The rear brake is a Brembo Gold unit, with a 220 mm stainless steel disk and twin 32 mm piston calliper.
Both the front and rear brakes use aeronautical metal braided lines to eliminate the pressure loss associated with conventional rubber brake lines and ensure maximum braking precision.
  
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ZHooligan
Moderator
Post Whore Extraordinaire!
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posted December 15, 2002 12:36 PM
Radial calipers are also easily adjusted based on the size of the rotors.
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted December 15, 2002 03:56 PM
u'r all missing the point. radial calipers have NOTHING to do with all that crapola u just said. it's cause they look cool! yeah baybee YEAH!! if they were for performance & reliability etc, why would every 16yo want them on his bike? 
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ZHooligan
Moderator
Post Whore Extraordinaire!
Posts: 3829
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posted December 15, 2002 04:59 PM
Da!
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ZXtra
Expert Class
Posts: 490
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posted December 15, 2002 11:24 PM
The radial caliper brakes work so well that the manufacturers are starting to reduce front brake rotor diameter, thereby reducing unsprung weight and improving handling.  -ZXtra
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