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Colnago brakes versus Ultegra

by jrbuk
Thu, Apr 03, 2014 22:40
8

I've got a Colnago 3.0 CLX which comes with Shimano Ultegra brake levers but Colnago callipers. There's just no way that they stop anywhere nearly as well as the 105's on my Specialised. Living on Dartmoor, there's a lot of need for good brakes on the downhills and it's really spoiling the descents.

I've had them adjusted and tuned but whilst better they are still no match. Could it be the rims on the wheels or am I better off getting Ultegra callipers and in fact the latest Ultegra 6800's, or should I stick with the wheels & callipers and change the brake blocks - any thoughts?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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jrbuk | 9 years ago
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Ultegra Brakes for Colnago

For anyone following this thread wanted to let you know that I did have the Ultegra callipers fitted to work with the rest of the Ultegra kit on the bike - and yes, what a difference. It's been a wonderful riding experience and on the Devon hills stopping is a big part of what we do, especially round the lanes - tractors, wildlife, grockles.

Colnago brakes were fair, Ultegra were excellent.
V. pleased with the result and has added hugely to my enjoyment of this great bike

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jrbuk | 10 years ago
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Cheers guys - took the Colnago out this week after the winter-trainer was put back on the stand and compared to the Spesh it's like trying to stop with cotton-wool pads, which is a serious downside as it goes a whole lot faster.

For the money and the potential to have the difference it's been making to you all, it's on the weekend to-do list now

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mikeakelly | 10 years ago
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I fitted the 6800s - about £43 each online.

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giobox | 10 years ago
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The new Ultegra 6800 will probably be a significant improvement. I was extremely impressed with how good the new dual pivot design Shimano are using on the 6800 is, arguably the best thing to filter down from the 9000 group aside from the front derailleur.

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mikeakelly | 10 years ago
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I have a Colnago CLX 3.0 with 105 and last month swapped the Colnago callipers for some brand new Ultegra ones. What a difference! It's transformed my riding - it's amazing what a bit of extra confidence in your ability to stop brings. This is after first trying cool stop pads which helped a bit but not a lot.

I first noticed the problem when riding my other road bike which has SRAM Rival callipers which were clearly far better than the original Colnago ones. The Ultegra ones are a step up again.

Highly recommended.

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jrbuk | 10 years ago
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Thanks both - good advice. Will go over the rims once again and get new brake blocks tomorrow as per the Specialized before more expensive investments. Much appreciated

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kev-s | 10 years ago
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strange as i run colnago calipers on my m10 and c59 and have had them on previous clx's and i prefer them to ultegra calipers!

first thing i would do is give the blocks a nice light sanding to remove any glazing and to roughen up the pad so it grips better.

also look at your rims, is there any build up of brake block rubber on them? are they as clean as they were when new?

if they look like they have a build up then give them a good scrub to clean the brake track of any build up, a stiff nail brush dipped in some water and washing up liquid works well

finally after doing all that and your still not happy then try a different set of brake pads before thinking about switching calipers

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mrkeith119 | 10 years ago
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It could be rims/blocks/calipers. Try swaping bits from your spesh to your colnago, blocks first, then maybe wheels, and then calipers, if/when you find something that works, you can then spend money on sorting the problem.

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