A brake calliper for a disc brake, in particular for motor cycles and/or bicycles, includes a housing (30) for accommodating brake linings (40) which grip a brake disc during braking, with the housing having an abutment area (33) for contact with the brake linings during braking in the forward direction of travel and an assembly opening (29) which is opposite the abutment area (33) and through which the brake linings (40) can be inserted into the housing (30). A brake lining securing device (50) secures the brake linings in the housing (30) on the side opposite the abutment area (33), and a brake lining support device (31) supports the brake linings (40) between the abutment area (33) and the brake lining securing device (50). The brake linings can be arranged so that firstly the danger of undesired blocking during the braking process and secondly the danger of vibration of the brake during driving are substantially reduced. Specifically, the brake calliper has a prestressing device (32) which prestresses a brake lining (40) inserted into the housing (30) in a defined position.