Brake upgrade

lil.godzilla

My stock 2012 Giant Defy 2 pads (Tiagra) are getting worn and I would like to upgrade to better, more powerful pads. I sometimes get pain in my fingers from the pressure needed to apply the front brake.

What would be my best option for an upgrade?

I think these pads are cartridge based aren't they?

oxoman

These are the go to pads on my rim braked bike.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/swissstop-flash-pro-alloy-rim-brake-blocks?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360661134&kpid=5360661134&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products&utm_medium=base&gclid=Cj0KCQiA962BBhCzARIsAIpWEL0WxyvMiWigmEEkY_oe3ttfrZP2IUWr5dO2-KsVcGCuZhPaxBcltZ4aAl_-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

lil.godzilla

Those Swisstop pads will bolt straight into these calipers, right?


Is it worth upgrading to Ultegra calipers at all? These seem cheap. Or am I better off just sticking with better pads?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32851094681.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.d0ef5ef9AViBmW&algo_pvid=2b034b30-4d90-41e9-8f5d-541d055606e1&algo_expid=2b034b30-4d90-41e9-8f5d-541d055606e1-2&btsid=0bb0623316135057417321001e0c6a&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

MattFalle

New cables and pads will make a world of difference tbh.

No point going Ultegra when 105 work just as well and are cheaper.

Kool stop salmon are just as good as SwissStop and far cheaper, Wiggle's Lifeline also get very good reviews and cost pennies.

ugo.santalucia

they don't look worn to me

paulwood

Not saying that better pads wouldn't help but they don't look worn to me either. I would start with new cables and outers

simon_e

If you're buying pads then Kool Stop dual compound inserts would get my vote.

But I agree with the other comments re cables, and check your pads are aligned correctly so they are hitting the rim squarely.

mr_eddy

Swiss Stop. The End.

MattFalle

Same performance as KoolStop, triple the price.

So no, not the end.

david37

shouldn't you just sell everything and get a bike with discs?


And 28mm tubeless.

anything else is tantamount to suicide or damaged discs at the very least