Long Drop Brakes

MisterMuncher

Are there any long drop brakes out there likely to give me a better pound/performance ratio than the Shimano BR R-650 currently available for £50-odd a pair from CRC? I'm growing rather weary of the maybe/maybe not performance of the no-name parts (probably bottom-shelf Tektro) fitted to my bike at present.

APIII

These are not cheap (£115), but they well worth it in my opinion. As good as any short reach caliper I've used (Record, chorus, TRP)

sketchley

Cross posting back from commuting chat.

The R-650 are probably just about the best long drop you can get, I changed the tektro on my genesis equalibirum for them and the difference was immense. Plus I'm 18stone so need good stopping power. The only issue (for some) is they don't come in black. If you are happy with silver calipers go for it. Normally v.cheap per pair at Ribble. (edit: £55.56 at Ribble)

An upgrade to SwissStop "Blue" BXP pads, or greens if you can't get BXPs, for wet weather make a big difference from stock shimano which are ok in the dry but no where near as good as SwissStop in the wet. Assuming that is you are running aluminium rims.

If you want other options take a look at the Genesis Equalibrium thread viewtopic.php?f=40012&t=12780959 long drops have been done (to death) in there serveral times as the stock brakes were rubbish on early models. I believe they use Shimano 450 now.

itsnotarace

R650's are excellent and every bit as good as Ultegra 6700

bobones

As far as I know, the only difference between the BR450 and BR650 is the higher quality exterior finish on the 650 so I would doubt there is any performance improvement to be gained by paying more for the 650s. I've run 450s on my winter bike for a few years and, while they're satisfactory, performance in the wet is highly dependent on the pads you use with them. Long drop brakes, by their very nature are going to be more flexy and less powerful than standard calipers. Whether Shimano are stiffer than other brands I couldn't say.

keef66

bobones wrote:

As far as I know, the only difference between the BR450 and BR650 is the higher quality exterior finish on the 650 so I would doubt there is any performance improvement to be gained by paying more for the 650s. I've run 450s on my winter bike for a few years and, while they're satisfactory, performance in the wet is highly dependent on the pads you use with them. Long drop brakes, by their very nature are going to be more flexy and less powerful than standard calipers. Whether Shimano are stiffer than other brands I couldn't say.

The 450's I have on my racelight Tk have the all in one moulded brake blocks, rather than the cartridge / metal holders you get on the 650's, 105, Ultegra and upwards. I find them as good as the short drop Tiagra on the carbon bike.

You could always fit 450's and replace the blocks though.

I can vouch for the flex; when I first got my CR1 frame I swapped the groupset onto the carbon bike, which involved shortening the outer cable between the rear caliper and the stop on the top tube. (the BR450 calipers were OK with the blocks slid to the top of their slots) Later I reversed the swap but forgot I'd trimmed the outer, so it was then too short for the winter frame. When I hauled on the back brake the caliper arm was bending forwards by 6 or 7mm :shock:

marcusjb

450s and 650s are the same casting yes - much better finish on the 650 and nicer bits and pieces (such as the cable adjustment knob etc. and don't come with replaceable brake cartidges).

I've not used 450s, but, yes, assuming the same pads, they should perform the same (i.e. brilliantly) - I've a lot of faith in my 650s (with SwissStop Greens) in all conditions.

There's hardly a hint of flex on my setup (650s on Condor Fratello with Ultegra levers).

Bordersroadie

Sketchley wrote:

The R-650 are probably just about the best long drop you can get, I changed the tektro on my genesis equalibirum for them and the difference was immense.

Me too, I swapped out Tektro R539 for Shimano R650 and have seen a real improvement especially on wet rims.

The Tektro's were poor in the wet (even with Swissstop Greens or Koolstop Salmons) and the pivot bolts and fittings rusted after one winter.

derosa

+1 for the R-650

sketchley

I should probably add the braking on my winter bike 105 levers / r650 calipers is almost identical to my best bike which is Ultegra levers and calipers.

luv2ride

I've got Miche Performance long drops on my Tifosi winter bike. Anyone know if the Shimano R450 or R650s would be much of an upgrade over the Miche? They're best described as "ok but squidgy", and a lot less precise than the SRAM Force on my CR1

on-yer-bike

Condor Poggio are another option in black or silver. They also do a cheaper version.