Brake Calipers
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f1oored posted 48 weeks ago.
If you want to stick with shimano, either Ultegra or Dura Ace will give you improved stopping power over the 105. I'm a good sized rider (205lbs) and 6500 Ultegras have provided more than enough stopping power (my bike also came stock with 105s). If you need more, I hear brembo makes some nice brakes.
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PJT posted 48 weeks ago.
I had the cevelo brakes until recently on my tri bike and have 105s on my road bike. The Cervelo calipers might be re-badged Tektro brakes, but I don't think Shimano 105s are much better. I'm suprised that new levers and pads didn't help a little. As far as Ultegra vs. 105, I looked earlier this year and could not find much supporting a substantial stopping power increase between 105 and Ultegra for calipers.
For other options: Dura Ace are very nice--that's what I switched to this year. Campy Chorus brake calipers are quite strong and I imagine Record are as good or better, but you would need to switch to Campy brake levers too (Campy brakes have their quick release located on the lever). All these options are somewhat pricey.
351
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1054 days
Nobody posted 47 weeks ago.
Thanks for the info. I considered Brembo, but they're just too heavy! I actually wouldn't mind the extra weight of a disc on the front, but am not even going to begin trying to figure out how to modify my HED3 front to accept a disc. ;)
I can grab a handful of brake even at 4-5 mph and the front won't lock and the bike CANNOT stoppie at all....maybe I'm asking too much, but if you can't lock the front, you're never going to be able to get anywhere close to impending lockup.
If the Cervelo brakes are in fact Tektro, (I hope they are), then I imagine that's the culprit. SRAM Force looks like they might be the ticket.
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fastdog5 posted 47 weeks ago.
I'm looking for a set of black brakes (can't afford Zero G), and was leaning toward 105's...do they seriously suck?
564
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677 days
xc800runner posted 47 weeks ago.
The SRAM calipers are fantastic. Been using them for a year now with both standard alloy rims and carbon rims/swiss stop pads. Stopping power is all I ask for.
Nobody - If you're looking at these, go for the Rival calipers. They weigh about 5g more each, but cost a bit less. Work exactly the same (I have Force on my tri bike and Rival on my roadie).
Fastdog - Shameless SRAM plug here (I don't work for them, just a happy customer) the new 2009 Rival is black. Weighs substantially less than 105 (like 70g for a set) and costs about the same.
I've got a Cervelo Dual that came standard with 'Cervelo' Calipers. I figure they're just Shimano 105 calipers with a "C" painted on 'em....the problem is that the brakes are really weak. The back brakes, which only do ~30% of the braking are sufficient, but the front is horribly insufficient. I've changed pads, swapped levers and swapped rims to no avail. I'd like to upgrade the front caliper, but hate to replace bad with worse or even the equivalent.
Advice please!
Greatness is only achieved by those who perpetually raise the expectations of themselves to the point where it ruins their life.