Disc brake calipers don't get nearly enough attention when riders spec out a build, which is unfortunate because the caliper determines how all that hydraulic force actually translates into stopping power. The Campagnolo Super Record 13 Brake Caliper addresses this overlooked component with engineering that matches the refinement of the rest of the Super Record 13 platform. You're getting forged aluminum construction with titanium retention screws—a combination that shaves 6 grams per pair compared to steel hardware while maintaining the structural rigidity that high-performance braking demands. It's a small number in isolation, but it reflects the approach Campagnolo takes throughout this groupset: save grams everywhere without compromising function.

The 22mm pistons use phenolic resin construction, which accomplishes two goals simultaneously. The larger piston diameter delivers strong braking force with less lever effort, giving you modulation that responds precisely to finger pressure rather than requiring a death grip on the lever. The phenolic resin material provides thermal insulation between the brake fluid and the pad, keeping heat where it belongs rather than transferring it into the hydraulic system. Long descents generate substantial heat, and managing that thermal load determines whether your brakes feel consistent at the bottom of the mountain or start getting spongy halfway down.

Campagnolo redesigned the pad return mechanism on the Super Record 13 calipers to eliminate physical return springs entirely. Instead, the pads retract through a friction-free system that reduces drag when you're not braking. You know that subtle resistance some brake systems create even when the lever is released? This design eliminates it. The result is a wheel that spins more freely and pads that maintain consistent spacing from the rotor without requiring constant adjustment. From a maintenance perspective, fewer springs means fewer parts that can fatigue or corrode over time.... Read More