Which budget road brakes to upgrade a Defy 4?

[wilbo83]

Would like to upgrade the brakes on my Giant Defy 4 (2010 model). Currently they are just basic Tektro and even with pad upgrades, stopping power isn't great. Would like to replace them with a limited budget.

Currently considering these:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-ultegra...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/campagnolo-cent...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/miche-performance-57mm-dro...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-br-5700...

Edited by wilbo83 on Sunday 7th September 20:42

[upsidedownmark]

Fairly sure that the 5700/6700 groups moved to a different cable pull ratio on the brakes - I finished up updating the brakes on my bike after moving to 6700 levers as they pulled more cable and hence made the brakes very weak (lower mechanical advantage). So, if you were to fit the 5700 brakes on 2010 era levers, you'd have more mechanical advantage, stronger brakes, but you'd need to set them up very close to the rims so that you didn't run out of lever movement before they touched the rim.

I'd probably try to match the brakes to the levers - I'm not sure how mixing shimano / campag would go.

[wilbo83]

upsidedownmark said:

Fairly sure that the 5700/6700 groups moved to a different cable pull ratio on the brakes - I finished up updating the brakes on my bike after moving to 6700 levers as they pulled more cable and hence made the brakes very weak (lower mechanical advantage). So, if you were to fit the 5700 brakes on 2010 era levers, you'd have more mechanical advantage, stronger brakes, but you'd need to set them up very close to the rims so that you didn't run out of lever movement before they touched the rim.

I'd probably try to match the brakes to the levers - I'm not sure how mixing shimano / campag would go.

Hmm, interesting. Hadn't thought about any issues with mixing levers and brakes. Sure on my mountain bikes, I have ran a mix of Avid and Shimano before with no issues.

[bakerstreet]

I'd go Ultegra if you can get a bike shop to confirm that they will work with your shifters.

[upsidedownmark]

It shouldn't be too hard to find out the compatibility from the shimano website - I'd trust that far more than the LBS.

Those 'Ultegra' brakes aren't regular 'series' ultegra (i.e. 6X00) - I'm not sure what they are.

[TheLemming]

And whatever callipers you fit, I'd add swisstop (or other aftermarket) brake pads to them.

Lots of recommendations for Swisstop green however similar topics come up with some alternatives as well. They make a HUGE difference and aren't expensive.

[Ponk]

Ultegra 6700 is indeed different, which is why I upgraded to 6800 on my Defy Composite (which has the same shocking Tetkros as standard).

[wilbo83]

Found out the levers / shifters are shimano 2300 so guessing its probably best to stick with shimano. Shame as the campagnolo centaur brakes look good value.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

There are two big steps forward you can make for little money. The first is to 6800 105 callipers (with the changed pivot arrangement) and the second to Swisstop pads. Both will make a marked difference to braking performance.

[wilbo83]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

There are two big steps forward you can make for little money. The first is to 6800 105 callipers (with the changed pivot arrangement) and the second to Swisstop pads. Both will make a marked difference to braking performance.

Can't seem to find 105 6800, only Ultegra 6800 or 105 5800.

[Steve vRS]

Wiggle have 6700 Ultegra callipers on special offer.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-ultegra-6700-brake...

They are on my Christmas list.

Steve

[Rocksteadyeddie]

wilbo83 said:

Rocksteadyeddie said:

There are two big steps forward you can make for little money. The first is to 6800 105 callipers (with the changed pivot arrangement) and the second to Swisstop pads. Both will make a marked difference to braking performance.

Can't seem to find 105 6800, only Ultegra 6800 or 105 5800.

Sorry. 5800. My typo. This one:



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