What brakes with SRAM Red (10 speed) levers?

[BlueNGT]

Having just sold my old Giant TCR and replaced it with a used Specialized Tarmac (American Flyer version), it is fitted with SRAM Red from about 2012 so is 10 speed. I want to change the brakes to dual pivot and ideally wanted to be able to put 105 5800 brakes on it as they appear great value for money but what I am being told is they are not compatible due to pull ratio's of the new Shimano equipment. Currently has some old FSA brakes fitted.

The way I see it is I try and find a relatively cheap, and acceptable performing dual pivot or swap the whole Groupset out for a new 105 or Ultegra Groupset and sell the Red on aBay.

Has anybody come across anything like this before and come up wit a cost effective solution?


Thanks in advance.

[z4RRSchris]

what's wrong with SRAM red brakes? eBay is your friend

[BlueNGT]

I am new to SRAM, never used it before but I don't see much that suggests SRAM brakes as being any good.

Ribble Cycles suggested Tektro calipers are pretty similar to SRAM. They said 105 5800 wouldn't be a good match for the levers due to new Shimano pull ratios with the STI levers...or something along those lines!!

[z4RRSchris]

I've got SRAM red on two bikes and 105 on the other, rather like the SRAM kit pad dependant.

[BlueNGT]

I've got some Swissstop Flash Pro BXP Blue

[BlueNGT]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Have tracked down a nice pair of the Dark Grey 6700 calipers that will do the job by the sounds of it from other forums.

Great price and comes with new pads which I will sell on as I have pads already

[John Laverick]

I've got SRAM Force dual pivot on one of my bikes and I think they're the a quality bit of kit. Shimano Dura-Ace on another and I'd struggle to tell the difference.

[bakerstreet]

BlueNGT said:

I am new to SRAM, never used it before but I don't see much that suggests SRAM brakes as being any good.

Ribble Cycles suggested Tektro calipers are pretty similar to SRAM. They said 105 5800 wouldn't be a good match for the levers due to new Shimano pull ratios with the STI levers...or something along those lines!!

What do you mean 'suggests being any good' Have you actually ridden the bike with SRAM brakes fitted??

I run SRAM Force on my road bike and brakes and pretty dam good and in another league to 105 and the Tiagra they replaced. I can't imagine the SRAM reds being 'crap'

[GaryGlitter]

Pro team mechanic said:

Hey Cav, you wanna use SRAM Red calipers or something better like 105?

[bakerstreet]

GaryGlitter said:

Ha Ha!!

[RGambo]

I have to say, I don't get on with th edouble tap system so I don't use SRAM, but there RED brakes are first class.not issues with the stopping power of those.