Going from disc brakes to callipers, I'm finding the 105 callipers a little lacklustre (even with Swiss blue pads), would Ultegra callipers provide better braking or would it be a waste of money?
You may find more benefit from setting them up than changing them. Toe angle, alignment with the rim, clearance from the rim etc. And cable quality/condition.
Cube Reaction GTC Pro 29 for the lumpy stuff Cannondale Synapse alloy with 'guards for the winter roads Fuji Altamira 2.7 for the summer roads Trek 830 Mountain Track frame turned into a gravel bike - for anywhere & everywhere
You may find more benefit from setting them up than changing them. Toe angle Check, alignment with the rim Check, clearance from the rim Check etc. And cable quality/condition.
Cables are OK, as is routing, but they are the OEM cables that came with the bike; inner & outers.
Would changing these make a significant difference? I can't really it making that much of a difference.
It can make a fair sized difference, yup. If there is less friction on the cable run then it'll feel easier to squeeze the brakes. If the outer is uncompressible, then less of your squeeze is wasted compressing the outer....
To be clear though, your 105 brake calipers, they are the current 5800 model and are being used with 11 speed 105 levers?
Mixing and matching can give poor results. One of my bikes I'm using 5800 levers with some old 105 calipers (9 speed vintage) and the pull ratios have changed so although the brakes come on quickly I have to squeeze really hard to get effective braking.
It can make a fair sized difference, yup. If there is less friction on the cable run then it'll feel easier to squeeze the brakes. If the outer is uncompressible, then less of your squeeze is wasted compressing the outer....
To be clear though, your 105 brake calipers, they are the current 5800 model and are being used with 11 speed 105 levers?
Mixing and matching can give poor results. One of my bikes I'm using 5800 levers with some old 105 calipers (9 speed vintage) and the pull ratios have changed so although the brakes come on quickly I have to squeeze really hard to get effective braking.
No, the brakes are matched as part of the OEM spec; 5700 levers and calipers I believe.
Right. Well, you might notice an improvement moving to current generation brake calipers (5800/6800/r7000/r8000).
They are of somewhat more substantial construction (so probably heavier) but most anecdotes point to improved performance (and I haven't found them wanting).
Brake pull ratios are only slightly changed between 5700 and 5800 and I think Shimano regard them as compatible.
I swapped out Tektro calipers (R540) for Dura-Ace R9100 (basically identical to Ultegra R8000 but with a titanium mounting bolt, got them discounted).
The difference is -
Dura-Ace - You slow down and have lots of feedback/control
Tektro - You can watch the caliper flexing while to try to slow down to take you mind off what you are about to hit. They got a bit better with Swissstop BXP's but mostly just flexed more.
There is a little debate on whether the calipers are compatible with the Tiagra 4600 levers...but the braking is so much better it is a fairly moot point.
I have 105 5800 calipers with Swisstop BXP's and they are fantastic - mostly down to the BXP's being awesome, but they're also better than the 5700's I had on the old bike..
I have 105 5800 calipers with Swisstop BXP's and they are fantastic - mostly down to the BXP's being awesome, but they're also better than the 5700's I had on the old bike..
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calliper, there isn’t much in it.
Everyday Commuter
Cannondale Synapse alloy with 'guards for the winter roads
Fuji Altamira 2.7 for the summer roads
Trek 830 Mountain Track frame turned into a gravel bike - for anywhere & everywhere
Cables are OK, as is routing, but they are the OEM cables that came with the bike; inner & outers.
Would changing these make a significant difference? I can't really it making that much of a difference.
Everyday Commuter
To be clear though, your 105 brake calipers, they are the current 5800 model and are being used with 11 speed 105 levers?
Mixing and matching can give poor results. One of my bikes I'm using 5800 levers with some old 105 calipers (9 speed vintage) and the pull ratios have changed so although the brakes come on quickly I have to squeeze really hard to get effective braking.
No, the brakes are matched as part of the OEM spec; 5700 levers and calipers I believe.
Everyday Commuter
They are of somewhat more substantial construction (so probably heavier) but most anecdotes point to improved performance (and I haven't found them wanting).
Brake pull ratios are only slightly changed between 5700 and 5800 and I think Shimano regard them as compatible.
A great improvement on the original 5700 callipers, so thanks for the input
Everyday Commuter
I notice quite a substantial difference between the two to be honest, much more confidence downhill with the ultegra.
I swapped out Tektro calipers (R540) for Dura-Ace R9100 (basically identical to Ultegra R8000 but with a titanium mounting bolt, got them discounted).
The difference is -
Dura-Ace - You slow down and have lots of feedback/control
Tektro - You can watch the caliper flexing while to try to slow down to take you mind off what you are about to hit. They got a bit better with Swissstop BXP's but mostly just flexed more.
There is a little debate on whether the calipers are compatible with the Tiagra 4600 levers...but the braking is so much better it is a fairly moot point.
Now tempted to swap the pads over this weekend!