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Brakes upgrade - is it worth it?
I have recently purchased my first road bike - a Felt Z100. The groupset is Shimano Claris but it comes with no-name brakes (presumably to save costs). I have seen a pair of Claris brake calipers for £30. My questions are: will I see a improvement if I upgrade? and is it a simple procedure to install the replacement calipers?
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9 comments
Yes! But go up to 105, even previous gen ones if money is tight (5600 series), and get aftermarket pads as well.
Oh yeah, shit brakes are awful. It's the flex you get in the calliper arms, so you get a situation where you have no brakes, no brakes, no brakes.... LOCK UP. I've got a terrible rear brake on my singlespeed commuter, not helped by having to be long reach. The flex in the thing is daft, like it's made out of cheese.
This probably explains what I currently feel on my no name Callipers. I have upgraded the pads to Deda Big Blocks (dont know the correct name).
The Wheels are true, and callipers set up as best i can but i still get a pulsing feeling when putting more pressure into the pads. Its not a consistent Deceleration its a jerky one.
^you've clearly never ridden poor brake calipers then, they can be scary sometimes ....just vaguely slow you instead of actually braking.
New brake pads and cables will make a big difference especially if you buy something better than came with the bike, you'll also need new bar tape - maybe new brakes will be cheaper!
Try better quality pads first.
Yes, although I have recently upgraded the brake calipers to Dura Ace on my race bike I cant really see how the caliper itself can make braking performance that much better. I upgraded for weight and bling factor.
Try decent brake blocks first and then cables unless you just fancy the upgrade then go for it.
I am currently in the same position as you. I have no confidence in the brakes. I have taken the plunge and Paid for some Shimano 105s to replace the no name crap on my bike.
There is a lot of talk of improved Power/modulation and feel. I really hope this is true.
I hope the new ones are easier to adjust. The no name stuff doesnt stay where you tell it to.
If you can stop quickly in an emergency/lock the wheel and ride normally without straining your arms, I wouldn't bother upgrading.
If you do need to upgrade it is a very easy switch over requiring just Allen keys. Also If you cannot stop easily, it may be worth getting some decent brakeblocks with a softer compound, this will improve the brake power and feel.