A brake pad assembly for a bicycle includes a first brake pad, a second brake pad, and a spreader spring. The first brake pad has a first backing plate with a first rotor facing surface, and a first friction pad secured to the rotor facing surface. The second brake pad has a second backing plate with a second rotor facing surface, and a second friction pad secured to the second rotor facing surface and facing the first friction pad. The spreader spring has a first leaf that is fixed to the first brake pad and a second leaf that is fixed to the second brake pad. At least a portion of the first leaf is positioned between the first rotor facing surface and the first friction pad, and at least a portion of the second leaf is positioned between the second rotor facing surface and the second friction pad.