KCNC C7 or SRAM Rival brakes

dr26

Might be a stupid question. I have a Cervelo S5 built up with SRAM red/ Force (taken off my Madone when I upgraded the frame) combo apart from brakes which are RIVAL . I could never justify the extra cost for red for a meagre few grams. I am now planning to do some major Alps riding and was considering upgrading to the KCNC C7s. I've seen mixed reviews of the older CB1s and these are not up for consideration. I'd be grateful for any thoughts/ experience. I weigh 77kg. Cheers.

petemadoc

Sram red 2011 calipers can be had from planet x at £140. They are pretty light and they're dual pivot.

That would be my recommendation.

I asked a similar question recently about the KCNC brakes and opinion seems quite divided with some riders switching back.

mr_mojo

What about TRP 960 Brakes? I replaced a Campagnolo Record brakeset with them and they are far better and 150g lighter. No complaints with their power or modulation. If you shop around you can get quite a bargain, I paid £155 delivered for a set.

backo

My first bike came with rival brakes ...thought they were terrible, tried various pads but still poor braking performance..... upgraded to red and they are so much better

regardless of the weight difference get the Red as they perform much better....which always helps when descending in the alps!

EKIMIKE

The C7's seem to be better regarded than the CB1's. But still... if i was going to ride in the Alps i wouldn't consider these an upgrade for that kind of riding.

Stick with the Rival set: make sure you've got some nice, quality blocks; nice light, quality tyres; light, quality tubes; if you have rim tape, replace with Veloplugs et voila! You probably could make the weight savings, plus quality improvements probably at less cost than the KCNC brakes.

passout

Would shimano work with that set up? I guess they would, in which case Dura Ace. Rival brakes are 'OK' though.