I recently bought a K2 Mach 2.0 (specs (http://www.k2bikes.com/products/bikedetails.asp?ID=72&year=2006)) on clearance at a local bike shop. It's a great starter bike, and the only real concern I have with it is the brakes.

The brakes are listed as "Tektro alloy dual-pivot with extra fender/tire clearance" and after adjusting them, they still don't stop nearly as nicely as a v-brake setup. Are more expensive brakes (105, Ultegra, etc) just lighter/prettier looking, or will I see an advantage with upgrading to a better caliper?

I've got generic brakes on my Giant, and am upgrading to 105's next week. The 105's just feel more responsive... or something... I don't know if it's just the pads or what, but they definately work better.

-DR

Well, your calipers won't stop as well as a v-brake set up simply because road calipers just don't have the mechanical advantage that a v-brake does. However, one simple and noticable upgrade you can make is get some good brake pads and throw them on the tektro's, this should increase the responsiveness of your brakes.

FWIW, My wife's bike came with Tektro's and they were crap, even with a pad change. 105 and up is a big difference. There's rears can be a bit too strong on a panic stop and will skid easily without modulation.

Enough said! I just picked up a set of older NOS BR-5501's (Shimano 105 brakes from ~2003)