The Campagnolo Ekar Disc Brake Caliper‑Only Kit is specifically engineered for gravel and endurance riders who demand consistent braking performance in all terrains. Drawing from the feedback of experienced cyclists and bike mechanics, this guide offers a comprehensive look into the real-world performance of this component, focusing on installation, adjustment, maintenance, and customization. It also provides technical comparisons with similar calipers and insights into compatibility concerns that can affect performance.
Tools Required
- 5mm hex wrench
- Torque wrench with Nm scale
- Mineral oil-compatible bleed kit
- Clean rag and isopropyl alcohol
- Pad spacer and bleed block
- Rotor truing tool (if required)
- Flat-mount brake adapters (if applicable)
Initial Impressions and Build Quality
Riders consistently highlight the Ekar caliper’s refined construction and attention to detail. Built with forged aluminum, the caliper is both lightweight and robust. Cyclists appreciate the anodized finish, which resists wear and complements Ekar’s gravel-oriented aesthetics. In hand, the component feels premium and meticulously engineered—aligning with Campagnolo’s reputation for high-end manufacturing.
In real-world use, many riders noted minimal flex under heavy braking, indicating a solid caliper body and precise machining. The two-piston setup delivers even pad pressure and consistent feel across varying conditions.
Installation Experience
User experiences with installation are largely positive, though several riders pointed out specific challenges related to hose connection and alignment.
Flat-mount compatibility is precise, but requires accurate torque settings—Campagnolo recommends 8–10 Nm for frame and adapter bolts. Unlike some other brands, the Ekar caliper does not include pre-installed pads or hose fittings, necessitating extra attention during assembly. Mechanics report that routing hydraulic hoses through internal frames can be tedious but manageable with the right tools and prep.
The bleed process using Campagnolo’s mineral oil system is straightforward. However, some first-time users mentioned that the fluid reservoir design differs slightly from Shimano and SRAM systems, requiring familiarity with Campagnolo-specific bleed kits.
Brake Pad Setup and Rotor Alignment
Real-world users often emphasize the importance of meticulous rotor and pad alignment to prevent brake rub. Ekar calipers offer limited pad clearance compared to SRAM or Shimano, making initial centering crucial. Most riders recommend inserting a pad spacer and lightly squeezing the brake lever before final torqueing to center the pistons properly.
Pad bedding-in is critical for full performance. Riders report that after 10 to 15 aggressive stops from speed, braking becomes notably more responsive and quieter. Organic pads are included, but some riders opt for sintered pads in wet or high-heat environments for extended longevity.
Adjustment and Fine-Tuning
Although factory settings are reliable, real-world performance improves with subtle tuning. Lever throw can’t be adjusted directly through the caliper, so lever-based reach and modulation adjustments must be made through the Ekar brake lever assembly.
Some riders shared that caliper piston retraction is slower than expected during initial rides, but improves after a full fluid bleed and piston cycling. Performing this step during initial setup helps achieve optimal lever feel and consistent pad movement.
Maintenance and Longevity
Gravel riders particularly appreciate the Ekar system’s resistance to grit [paid link] and debris. The caliper housing includes minimal open slots, reducing contamination. Still, regular pad removal and rotor cleaning with isopropyl alcohol are essential, especially after wet or muddy rides.
Based on rider logs, most report no significant brake fade or fluid contamination up to 2,000 km of mixed-surface riding. Annual fluid replacement and piston lubrication are enough to maintain performance for most use cases.
Some feedback also recommends monitoring pad wear every 400–500 km, especially on steep or loaded descents. Users who transitioned from other Campagnolo groupsets noted that Ekar’s gravel-focused tuning is more aggressive, demanding closer attention to wear intervals.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
One recurring point in rider feedback is brake noise caused by rotor contact during wheel flex or under heavy load. This is usually resolved by:
- Using a rotor truing tool to address minor warps
- Re-centering the caliper with the brake lever engaged
- Upgrading to stiffer thru-axles to reduce frame deflection
Air bubbles in the system are another common issue, especially when hoses are cut to length. A full bleed using the Campagnolo bleed block resolves this in nearly all cases. If a soft lever feel persists, riders are advised to recheck for micro-leaks around hose fittings.
Customization and Performance Optimization
Cyclists seeking personalized performance often upgrade their rotor size to 160mm front and rear, which enhances modulation and heat management. Some Ekar users install cooling-finned pads to extend performance on long alpine descents.
Handlebar cockpit optimization is another area where feedback varies. Riders using flared gravel bars often need to reposition their levers for improved ergonomics. Campagnolo’s lever shape is praised for comfort but may require angle tuning to optimize reach and finger clearance with gloves.
Compatibility with Drivetrain and Frames
The Ekar caliper is only fully compatible with Campagnolo’s Ekar-specific levers and mineral oil hydraulic hoses. It does not interface with Shimano or SRAM hydraulic systems due to differing hose diameters, fluid types, and bleed port threading.
For frame compatibility, the caliper uses flat-mount standards with adaptable bolt spacing. Riders confirm it fits most modern gravel and endurance frames, but certain legacy frames may require aftermarket adapters or customized mounting solutions.
Fork clearance is generally not an issue, though a few users with narrow-tolerance carbon forks noted minor rotor interference when using wider tires. Ensuring a centered axle and precise rotor positioning resolves most clearance concerns.
Comparison with Similar Brake Calipers
Compared to SRAM Force AXS calipers, the Ekar caliper is lighter but less adjustable. SRAM offers a wider pad retraction range, which helps reduce rub in muddy conditions, but the Ekar offers a firmer lever feel and more linear brake response.
Against Shimano GRX RX810 calipers, Ekar delivers better dry-weather bite but slightly lower modulation in technical descents. Riders focused on high-speed gravel racing tend to favor Ekar for its instantaneous braking, while bikepackers may prefer Shimano’s more gradual modulation.
Overall Rider Satisfaction
From a practical perspective, most cyclists rate the Ekar caliper highly for its reliability, ease of service (once familiar), and clean aesthetics. Its primary strengths lie in dry-to-moderate gravel performance, low pad contamination risk, and its well-sealed piston mechanism.
User reviews consistently emphasize that while the Ekar caliper may require a bit more setup finesse, its long-term consistency and durability make it a worthy choice for riders committed to Campagnolo’s gravel ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the Ekar caliper with Shimano or SRAM levers?
No. The Ekar caliper is only compatible with Campagnolo Ekar levers due to differences in hose interface and hydraulic fluid types.
2. Do I need to bleed the brakes after cutting the hose?
Yes. Any hose trimming introduces air into the system, requiring a full bleed using Campagnolo’s mineral oil and bleed kit.
3. Are the stock pads good for wet conditions?
The stock organic pads perform well in dry and mild conditions. For wet or alpine descents, sintered pads are recommended.
4. How often should I change the brake fluid?
Once a year or after any sign of contamination. Riders often bleed the system every 3,000–4,000 km for optimal performance.
5. Can I use 160mm rotors front and rear?
Yes. The caliper supports 160mm rotors with the correct flat-mount adapters, which are preferred for heavier riders or steep terrain.
6. Why are my brakes rubbing after a long descent?
Heat expansion may cause rotor deflection or piston sticking. Letting the system cool and re-centering the caliper usually solves the issue.