Road Cycling - Brake caliper comparison

So, I'm looking for a non-traditional brake caliper.

Came across the Tektro RX40. Weighs less than the Shimano 105, and costs less. Anyone have an idea how they perform?

They seem to come equipped on bikes with 105 or Ultegra.

I can get them in black for $43.99 from here: http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=BR7305 or in silver for $35 from http://www.chucksbikes.com

I am mostly interested in how these compare to 105/ultegra calipers.

My dream calipers are the Mavic SSC's, but there is no way in hell I can justify $150 on calipers...

If price is really an issue then try ebay. Although I should have bought 105's to match all of my components I wanted to save money at the time and bought new Tiagra's at $29.00. The only thing I changed was the one piece brake shoes for the replaceable cartridge shoe pad, like those found on 105's and up. Once the pads wear I will replace with Salmon pads. Stops fine to me. Just my .02 cents.

those weigh 3112grams... (but I think its a typo though..)

the lowest end shimanos only weigh 348g..

Weight should'nt be a big deal for calipers. Go with the 105's with kool stop pads.

...but, but...I want a frankenbike...

Currently running Truvativ Crank, Sram Cassette, Sachs chain...want to get the Modolo Morphus shifters to replace my Sora's...

Although, I do have ultegra FD and RD...

Be careful. I test rode a bike, for fit, that had low end components. It had some no name brakes. I came down a steep hill and could barely get it to stop.

My bike currently has some ProMax generic dual pivot calipers.

I was hoping to upgrade my nice bike and move the ProMax's over to my commuter, which currently has MUCH worse Shimano Exage single-pivot brakes on it...

Oh yeah...and the Tektro's only weigh in at 312g, compared to the 353g for the 105...

Please, someone give me an excuse to try them out...for only $35!

I'm just wondering if they'll take Kool Stop pads...

has anyone used v-brake pads on a road brake? is there any reason why you couldn't. sorry bout jacking your thread, K6-III.

oh and what brakes do you have now? the ultegra brakes, in my experience are VERY good. I have some generic lemond dual-pivots on my bike now, and if I was to replace them, I'd most definily get an ultegra set up. they are simply the best road brakes out there. the stopping and modulation of the brakes is worth a gram or two. I mean, really, 40g really is splitting hairs.

I mentioned above that I have generic ProMax cheapies...

Actually, Ultegra calipers weigh 4g less than the Tektro, but cost 2x more. Given that I can barely afford tuition now, it would be either the Tektro or the 105...

then buy the 105s. they are almost as good, they just come with some with non-cartrige pads that are just "meh"

my bad about asking about your current brakes...I hate it repeating things for people. I should have read more fully...

back to the topic at hand though, I'd go with what you know. with shimano, you usually know what you are getting. heck you could be wasting 35 bucks on crap calipers.

But, according to this thread, they should be at least OK: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=44597&highlight=tektro

As for non-Shimano dual-caliper brakes, does anyone make something that is definitely good outside of the Mavic SSC ?

Thanks for your advice.

Decided to get 2004 Shimano 105 Black Calipers for $55.95 shipped...

25 more bucks for ultegra.

I got them. They work fine. Light. Cheap. Works. What more do you want me to say???

...and the 105's come in black...

I have the Tektros on my touring bike. I had to get the long reach as I have an older frame.

They stop the bike just fine (I don't do heavy loaded touring, but rather hotel so i don't need all the gear hence I don't have the weight).

Once the pads wear, I will switch to the salmon colour kool stop pads they seem a little bit more.......gummy and I figure better for stopping. But may wear faster.

Digger

Dura Ace.

BR7800

has anyone used v-brake pads on a road brake? is there any reason why you couldn't. sorry bout jacking your thread, K6-III.


actually, I'm using V-brake pads on 105 calipers right now..

The only problem are the washers.. the V-brake pads are meant for long travel/play brakes.. So I had to use the thinner washers from my old V-brake pads to make everything fit..

Tektro rx40 are very good brake calipers.. not DA good, but in par with ultegra's ( you rarely see the rx40 on ebay..hint) They're on a lot of mid-range road bikes on the market. Most people just keep them if there not really into the groupo thing. I use them on my TT bike cuz they are light,half the price of the ultegra.. with a minimal weight sacrifice, and work just as well. They are black, really aero and sharp looking. (I get comments). If you want a to get more grip just change the pads. Most braking problems actually begin there and not the calipers themselves.