Fifty Plus (50+) - Brakes for 700C Wheels

I used the Tektro R 200 levers when I built the Bianchi, and I can tell you that I love them. That fat grip is way more comfortable than Shimano or Dia-Comp. The QR on the lever is the cats ass, especially with the Campy brake calipers that I used because there is no QR on the calipers. If/when I do another build the R 200 will be my 1st choice. And you can't beat the price.

When I read Louis' recommendation about Tektro brake levers, out of curiousity, I checked my touring bike's brakes. It came with "Silver" sidepulls, that apparently Tektro made for Rivendell:
< http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/brakes#product=15-026 >.
I've put 500 miles on them, they look real nice, and judging by the rapidity that my body was slingshot over the handlebars at 15 MPH ... they work real good.

My roadie's 700C wheels will initially be riding on 25mm tires, and there's a good chance I may switch them to 28mm. Does the gang have recommendations on brakes to use for a roadbike, with quick release and can accommodate a range from 25mm to at least 28mm width?

It would be hard to find any that wouldn't work.

<edit> Meaning work for the width of the tire. You'll need brakes with the right reach. Most modern bikes take brakes with 39mm to 49mm reach (short reach (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=6652&category=525)). A growing number of frames are being made to take the old standard of 47mm to 57mm reach (normal reach (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15983&category=525)). A few (like conversions from 700C to 650B rims) need even longer reach, 55mm to 73mm (long reach (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=15985&category=525)).

I have to deflate my 28mm Gatorskin tires a bit to remove my wheel through Tektro, Shimano 105, or Shimano Ultegra brakes. No deflation required with 25mm Gatorskin tires.

I have to deflate my 28mm Gatorskin tires a bit to remove my wheel through Tektro, Shimano 105, or Shimano Ultegra brakes. No deflation required with 25mm Gatorskin tires.

With my short reach Dia Compe single pivot brakes and 28mm Panaracer Pasela TG tires, my tires rub the brake pads a little on installation and removal. but I don't have to deflate them.
With the additional cable slack from the quick release built into the Cane Creek brake levers he plans to use, I don't think he'll have any problem.

I have to deflate my 28mm Gatorskin tires a bit to remove my wheel through Tektro, Shimano 105, or Shimano Ultegra brakes. No deflation required with 25mm Gatorskin tires.

Hmmm. I run 28mm Gatorskins on my retro grouch bike with 105 calipers. I had to back off the cable tension a bit but I can change out a fully inflated tire between the brake pads.

Are there any recommendations on calipers to select for the road bike's 700C wheels. Things to consider would be quick release function, whether they should be side-pull calipers, and whether they can accommodate 25mm-28mm tires?

For example, my touring bike's side-pull calipers are made by Tektro (model R556) ... to accommodate both wide tires and fenders.

Are there better road bike calipers to choose from ... if fenders are not needed, and if only road tires are to be used? What factors should I look for (i.e., should they be side-pull?), when selecting brake calipers for a road bike? Here is one factor ... when addressing the OP ... of which brake calipers to choose for a road bike:
* Quick Release function ... ease of taking front wheel off and on (bike to be transported in trunk of car).

Dual pivots are a bit more finicky, but I like them a bunch. At least on the front, where the power is needed. Campy are strong. Love the way Dura Ace modulates. 105 and others at that level feel soft to me, but I'm probably spoiled.

Could be you are overthinking this.

Dual pivots are a bit more finicky

?????? I don't think so, not even close.