Genesis Equilibrium Build - Brake Selection

arlowood

Have assembled the majority of components now to start assembling my Genesis Equilibrium frameset.

Drivetrain is almost totally Shimano 105 5700 10-speed except for the cassette which is a Tiagra 12-30.

Only exception is the brake calipers which I have yet to source.

I want to fit 57mm long drop calipers to allow me the flexibility to to fit decent guards for winter riding. Currently there appear to be 4 options ranging from £20 up to £64 per set:-

Miche - £20
Shimano R451 - £40
Tekltro R539 - £44
Shimano R650 - £64

Any comments on the above in terms of performance and any recommendations for alternatives to consider.

I'm sure the R650's which are Ultegra grade will be excellent quality but do I need to spend that much to get adequate braking?

holiver

Check out Ribble for cheaper prices. I had the Miche, but they didn't have quite enough drop for my Kinesis. I have the Tektro R737 on it instead.

I'd probably go for the Shimano R650 if choosing again. Brakes are pretty important, and apparently that model is worth the money.

borisface

I was pretty impressed with the miche brakes I had for a year or so. They're now on the wife's bike - read into that what you will!

Avoid PX ultralight CNC brakes - they're about as bad as weinmann 600s for about 30 years ago.

SRAM Force are excellent and can be got for under £60 http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/BCSRFCEOEM ... r---silver I think they come with swiss stop brake pads mine did.

The best brakes I've used by far are the new shimano ultegra 6800.

Not sure on teh drop of either the force or the ultegra you'll have to check.

holiver

The Miche brakes seemed fine to me too, especially for £15 if they work for the frame! I think they are based off a Campagnolo design?

arthur_scrimshaw

I've got these fitted to my Charge Juicer Hi - excellent brakes and on special offer at Ribble.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ektbrar270

darkhairedlord

the shimano ones. all day every day. R451's for £30 or R540 for £59 from ribble. They are basically the same but you'll need to buy some catridge pads for the 451's. Had mine for about two years so two winters worth of salty crap sprayed on them an absolutely no corrosion on springs, hardware or calipers. My tektro's were rusty in about an hour!

styxd

Shimano

keef66

Another vote for the Shimano calipers. I have the 450's on my racelight Tk; Tiagra quality with the all in one moulded brake blocks. They've been fine for 7 years of all-weather riding now. No sign of corrosion or becoming sticky at all.

I understand the 650's are closer to Ultegra quality and have the advantage of cartridge type holders / inserts.

marcusjb

650s every day. I trust them implicitly.

450s if budget is tight (451s now?) - then replace the brake pads with cartridge brakes when the stock have worn out.

Final option - and I am yet to use these, I have a pair sat waiting for a new project VO Grand Cru - yeah, yeah, I know I said 650s every day - but I fancied something different on this bike and I won't be taking it into the mountains etc.!



(£120ish a pair)

arlowood

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

I've got these fitted to my Charge Juicer Hi - excellent brakes and on special offer at Ribble.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ektbrar270

Good shout Arthur on the Tektros - especially with the 40% discount. Was really leaning towards the Shimano R650's despite the price premium but I'm sorely tempted by these.

Decisions, decisions!!!!!!!!!!!

silverpigeon

R650s all day. Had the Tektros on my Genesis for a while and I might as well have used biscuits.

Get the Shimano's. Fit. Forget.

jonny_trousers

This has been discussed a fair amount in commuting chat. The overwhelming opinion that the Shimanos are overwhelmingly the best.

I had Condor branded Tektros on my Equilibrium. They were ok.

cycleclinic

The miche brake performs better than the tektro r359 especially after you put good pads in. The new miche brakes are even better than the last ones but the r650 are a step up again but not by as much as you might think.

aberdeen_lune

I have a pair if Shimano R650 long drop brakes going spare. They have been used but are in very good condition. I can post them to you for £40. Let me know if your interested.

Apologies for the cheeky interjection.