Replacement cable operated calipers - advice.

[tim0409]

Hi,

Following on from my thread about the fit of my Cannondale Caadx 105, I’ve decided to keep it and now really want to sort out the brakes. It came with Promax Render R calipers, which have always felt really poor despite being bedded in and adjusted. I’ve googled them extensively and the reviews are poor, so I would be grateful for some advice on decent replacements. From searching previous topics on PH, TRP Spyre get good reviews or the hydraulic cable operated version? Should I also replace the discs as well although they haven’t seen much use despite being 8 years old?

Thanks in advance.

Current set up -

[WPA]

Always used and been very happy with TRP Spyre's and yes I would replace the discs

[Benson11]

I've used TRP Spyke's (the MTB flat bar version) and was very happy with them.

Also AVID BB7's have been good on some of my trials bikes once setup well

[Pablo16v]

I had Spyres on my first gravel bike and they were pretty decent tbh. Another option is to spend a bit more on a cable/hydro set-up like the TRP HY/RD or JuinTech R1 calipers....like these....

https://trpcycling.com/products/hy-rd?srsltid=AfmB...

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/brake...

I replaced my Spyres with a set of the Juin Techs and they were noticeably better.

[POIDH]

TRP Spyres here - they stop 90kg of me and touring kit just fine.
I've replaced worn pads with upgraded Uberbike Kevlar pads and a good quality SRAM discs on there, both 160mm. I've also used proper Shimano outer and inner cables when they wore.

Yes hydraulics are marginally more powerful and less maintenance, but the differences are small in my experience.

[tim0409]

Many thanks for all the helpful replies. I was out on my bike today and the current brakes really are poor so I will definitely be upgrading both the calipers and discs.

[outnumbered]

Compressionless housings make a MASSIVE difference to cable operated discs. My wife's bike was borderline lethal until I fitted some in place of the standard brake cables, after that it stopped very well indeed. Made way more difference than pads or discs...

[outnumbered]

Compressionless housings make a MASSIVE difference to cable operated discs. My wife's bike was borderline lethal until I fitted some in place of the standard brake cables, after that it stopped very well indeed. Made way more difference than pads or discs...