better brakes then shimano 105

radiation man

my winter bike has shimano r650 57mm drop brakes on it and my summer bike has shimano 105 49mm drop brakes on it, and the shimano 650 brakes slow me down a lot better then the 105s anyone know of any other shimano brakes with 49mm drop to upgrade from 105 as i cant find the r650 in 49mm drop

13dsb

Are the 105's set up correctly, checked the pads?

radiation man

yes both set up same maybe i need ultegra

CarlosDSanchez

650 are ultegra level or ultegra long drop i suppose. There is very little performance difference in higher level brake calipers, its all about reduced weight. You will probably find replacing the brake pads for a higher quality set will improve performance. I have br 450 on the dolan and ultegra 6700 on the cube, original pads on the 450 were *hit and frankly prettg frightening to use. Replaced them with ultegra shoes/pads and now the performance is about equal.

cougie

Theres nothing wrong with 105 calipers if set up properly ?

I'd have the wheels out and check the pads. Maybe swap with your other bike - that should clarify matters ?

oldwelshman

I have 105 and dura ace, performance wise not much difference I can notice.

Slack

I have 105 brakes and they are shockingly poor in comparison to my mates 105 brakes! I'm running old cables and pads.

So, I'm going to change the cables and pads to rectify the issue.

domhopson

Stock Shimano pads are awful. Swap them to Swisstop Green, or Koolstop Salmons. You'll notice the difference instantly.

Peddle Up!

domhopson wrote:

Stock Shimano pads are awful. Swap them to Swisstop Green, or Koolstop Salmons. You'll notice the difference instantly.

A bit harsh, they do the job but agree that Swisstops are in a different league.

nferrar

Stock Shimano pads a couple of years back were awful, seem better now (at least the ones on DA 7900)

Valy

haven't noticed too much difference berween edinburgh cycles pads and salmons fwiw

domhopson

Peddle Up! wrote:

domhopson wrote:

Stock Shimano pads are awful. Swap them to Swisstop Green, or Koolstop Salmons. You'll notice the difference instantly.

A bit harsh, they do the job but agree that Swisstops are in a different league.

Mine didn't seem to stop in the wet, so they're relegated to the bottom of my tool box for an emergency.

Monty Dog

If you haven't changed the cables for a while, make sure the outers aren't kinked / damaged and fit new inners - aply chain lube to the cables too.
If the 105 brakes have one-piece pads and holders, change them for a cartridge pad holder for replaceable pads - the stiffer housing makes braking far more positive.
Generally, provided the calipers function correctly i.e. spring back without sticking, then sorting the cables and pads is sufficient.

racingcondor

Agree with Monty (as usual) and the others recommending Swiss Stops.

105 brakes should be very capable if they're set up right. Anything with cartridge pads and decent cables (clean, lubed) should be more than capable of putting you over the handlebars if you use them incorrectly, 105 is no different.

For what it's worth I tend to change cables every year and cable housings every 2.

radiation man

both brake sets have the same pads in them but the 57mm r650 brakes have a lot wider caliper arm so must have more leverage then the 105 and have a longer drop

furrag

Better than 105? Campag Xenon.