Best road brakes?
Discussion
I currently ride a Spesh Langster in fixed on my commute and need new wheels so in typical upgrade fashion, was also in the process of looking at replacement forks so I could fit a front disc, replace the wheels with some that don't have brake tracks and remove the rear brake. Anyway, since I love the geometry of my current bike, I'm thinking changing the forks may result in me not loving it anymore so I'm probably better off just upgrading the standard Tektro brakes to something with more power and getting some new wheels with brake tracks 
So, can I do better (value for money also) than Ultegra 5700 (have these on my weekend bike and like them)?
So, can I do better (value for money also) than Ultegra 5700 (have these on my weekend bike and like them)?
Celtic Dragon said:
What pads do you have? Swissstop greens transformed my Tiagra brakes, the old pads were so hard it was a night and day change.
I tend to use fairly generic ebay pads because I get through them so quickly. If I switched to softer pads, I'd be changing them weekly which could get expensive...jesusbuiltmycar said:
No idea about the brakes, but I'm interested in which fixie wheels you are considering...
Not got to that yet 
If I'd gone down the disc route, I'd have used some 29er disc wheels with the rear flipped over and a sprocket attached to the disc mount. Keep me informed if you do any research into decent wheels please 
These Clarks Pads, I've put them on both of my road bikes, can't beat them for the price and they're excellent.
AyBee said:
Celtic Dragon said:
What pads do you have? Swissstop greens transformed my Tiagra brakes, the old pads were so hard it was a night and day change.
I tend to use fairly generic ebay pads because I get through them so quickly. If I switched to softer pads, I'd be changing them weekly which could get expensive...Value for money has to be 105. You're getting the performance of ultegra with a slight weight compromise.
I've just upgraded my winter bike levers from Tiagra to 105. It has Shimano long drop calipers and the difference swapping them is remarkable. I'd already swapped to some Koolstop salmon pads but this is the biggest difference.
I've just upgraded my winter bike levers from Tiagra to 105. It has Shimano long drop calipers and the difference swapping them is remarkable. I'd already swapped to some Koolstop salmon pads but this is the biggest difference.
Does the Langster take "normal" brake callipers or long drops?
If it's the latter, Shimano R650s. Touted as "Ultegra level" (they're not, but still powerful). If it's the former, then Shimano Ultegras or 105s. Whichever you use, run Swisstop green pads, clean the rim _properly_ (abrasive cleaning stone/rubber) and make sure the cables are good, smooth and clean.
If it's the latter, Shimano R650s. Touted as "Ultegra level" (they're not, but still powerful). If it's the former, then Shimano Ultegras or 105s. Whichever you use, run Swisstop green pads, clean the rim _properly_ (abrasive cleaning stone/rubber) and make sure the cables are good, smooth and clean.
SRAM Red here, with the stock swisstop green pads (ally braking surface)
God they are good. Shockingly good - close to being on par with discs in the dry. If the current Ultegra / Dura Ace are better I'll be genuinely (and pleasantly) surprised.
I've tried Tektro, Apex, Rival and Force all with stock pads and those were much of a muchness - force stood out as being a little better.
After upgrading my nice bike I've also broken the rule about not fitting my winter bike with shiny toys and ebayed a set for that. Brakes are safety kit, not toys.
God they are good. Shockingly good - close to being on par with discs in the dry. If the current Ultegra / Dura Ace are better I'll be genuinely (and pleasantly) surprised.
I've tried Tektro, Apex, Rival and Force all with stock pads and those were much of a muchness - force stood out as being a little better.
After upgrading my nice bike I've also broken the rule about not fitting my winter bike with shiny toys and ebayed a set for that. Brakes are safety kit, not toys.
If you want the ultimate in rim brakes find yourself a set of magura HS66's or hs77's. Or I think they have a new set of road based brakes but not looked into them.
When I used to run fixies (dodgy knees have made me stop
) I only ever ran a front magura (on road and mtb fixies).
Nothing else will stop you as quickly. Especially if you choose the pad most suited to your requirements.
When I used to run fixies (dodgy knees have made me stop
) I only ever ran a front magura (on road and mtb fixies).Nothing else will stop you as quickly. Especially if you choose the pad most suited to your requirements.
I was very surprised by the abilities of the standard pads (single piece pads) on Campag Veloce rim brakes, I got some NOS skeleton Veloce's to match an Ultra-toque gruppo from 2009/10 and found that even in the wet they were impressive compared to some simple Shimano road set I had before. Thinking it wouldn't compare to discs or better groups, I was amazed to do a "watch this" to a more experienced roadie buddy on a wet ride and out-stopped him by three bike lengths, compared to his SRAM kit. Both of us were surprised to see how different it was. I'm genuinely wondering what to do at new pad time, maybe line up a host of contenders?
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