Dia Compe Brakes - South Salem Cycleworks

Vintage Components - Dia Compe Brakes

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Dia Compe is the brand name of Japanese component maker KK Yoshigai. The firm was stated in Osaka, Japan, in 1930. The first product off its production line was a brakeset. Though Dia Compe has long since branched out into headsets, suspension forks and stems, brakes and brake parts are what most people rightfully think of when they see the Dia Compe name.

It was Dia Compe who invented the famous "Safety Lever" extension levers that allow a rider to put his hands on the tops of a set of drop handlebars and still stop his bike.

Swiss brake maker Weinmann was was so taken with the invention that the two firms entered a design-sharing agreement. Weinmann could make the safety levers and Dia Compe could make its own version of the highly-regard Weinmann brakes. That is why those highly polished Dia Compe brakes of the bike boom look just like Weinmanns.

Royal Gran Compe short-reach black brake calipers. used $70.00

Part# BR-41

Weight per pair: about 350 grams

Reach: 39-49mm

Dia Compe made these top-of-the line brakes in the 1980s. Initially they were produced in silver, but a few white and black sets were also produced. It is thought that the black anodized version is the most rare.

The quick release is incremental, as on a Campagnolo Nuovo Record side-pull caliper. You can open it just enough to get the clearance you need. The cables are clamped (a far superior method, that forestalls broken and frayed wires), rather than being run through a bolt with a hole in it.

Note: Our set does not have matching front lock nuts. Otherwise, they are in fabulous condition.

Royal Gran Compe