Caloi is, perhaps, the grandest of Brazilian bicycle manufacturers. The company was formed in 1898 by two Italians, Luigi Caloi and Agenor Poletti in São Paulo.

Initially the company was mainly an importer. But in 1945 Caloi established a bicycle factory, also in São Paulo. The company has since grown into a multi-national bicycle powerhouse.

In 1972 Caloi released the legendary 'Caloi Dez' ('Caloi 10') model - an affordable drop-handlebar 10-speed that single handedly created a '10-speed boom' in Brazil. For a vast number of Brazilians this was their first derailleur bicycle. Many speak fondly of the Caloi Dez to this day.

The Caloi Dez established the humble SunTour Honor as the definitive derailleur of Brazil. Then the various Yen-shocks hit and Japanese parts became much more expensive. So Dimosil stepped into the breach and manufactured a very presentable local copy of the Honor.

Caloi also appears on this web site because it own-branded derailleurs of various sorts throughout its history.