The current braking configuration I have is setup using the factory Tektro Novela mechanical brake calipers. I'd like to replace the rear caliper assembly (caliper with lever) with another mechanical caliper assembly that will accommodate the brifter pull leverage by increasing the pull ratio of the cable pull by not deadheading the brifter before achieving the max clamping force at the caliper.
As it is right now, I can pull on the brifter about an 1" before it makes the pad touch the rotor. I can adjust the pad clearance to obtain a tighter gap, but the slightest intolerance within the drivetrain will cause it to drag.

Without going hydraulic, is there a caliper assembly that can be purchased to give a wider gap on both sides of the rotor until I squeeze the brifter in order to fully clamp the pads on to the disk?
For example, a floating caliper design?

You are talking about disc brakes, but should note this in your subject and/or first sentence of your post, so more people will read your post with understanding. Rim brakes are often referred to as "caliper brakes".

I'm not knowledgeable about disc brakes, but there is a basic trade-off in any brake system between pull distance and clamping force. If the brake+lever geometry allows the calipers to open wider, then the caliper will have less clamping force.

yes, it is for a disc setup (trek 8.3 ds)
I thought there might be a cam style caliper that increases the clamp load the more it is actuated? No?

The hand brake that it had allowed for it to pull the cable 1:1 whereas now with brifters, it is not the same ratio, meaning it needs the brifter to pull more than it has the ability to do so. The brifter is maxed out to its reach setting.

So, you changed your brake levers and now have mismatched brake and lever pull requirements? Perhaps a Travel Agent can help: https://problemsolversbike.com/produ..._agents_-_6416

Of course, the more true you can make you rotor, the less pad clearance you will require.

Here's a hack. I wouldn't do it and the author put in some disclaimers.

Tried that a while back, but the end result determined it would not suffice. The need for a bit more gap between the rotor & pads is not able to be achieved doing the repositioning of the lever arm.

Wish I could figure out the pull distance of other calipers to compare with mine. That could possibly resolve the issue while no longer seeking in-line parts to add on.

What are these 'brifters' that you're talking about, are they the long pull brake levers that originally came on the bike?

Road brake levers traditionally have 7 mm pull, MTB (linear pull) levers have a 15 mm pull (for 20 degree of lever). These are from memory and may not be exact.

ordered a pair of cycle-x/road calipers, new cable/housing, pads, & will be trying out the new parts soon enough.

Yeah, Avid and TRP both also offer road-compatible disc calipers for cable-operated bikes. Sounds like you are set!

in the end the cost is very close with either options. rather practice the less is more attitude when it comes to bicycle parts.

Installed the cycle-x/road calipers & such. Already can see the positive differences that are def. needed.