jon1981

Hi,

I have a 105 Triple STI (5703) and I'm looking to replace the brake callipers. I'm not sure what the current callipers are, they just have shimano written on them (where would i find the model/part number?). Anyway I noticed on the shimano compatibility chart (shown) that the 105 5800 brake is compatible with the STI 5700 which is the double version of my STI. Can I assume that the compatibility carries over to the 5703?


thanks
Jon

dr_lha

Yes, 5800 caliper brakes will work fine with 5700 brifters (the brake pull is no different between the triple and double version). Your current brakes are likely an "off series" OEM shimano brake, put on your bike to save money.

EDIT: Do you current brakes look like this by any chance?

jon1981

Bang on, thats them, with the exception of the little lever on the left for opening the brake when taking the wheel off being black on my version. Much difference between them and 105s?

dr_lha

Ah, you have the even cheaper version, like this:

Amazon.com : Shimano R451 Long Reach Caliper Bicycle Brake - BR-R451 : Sports & Outdoors

The 5800 brakes are based on the 6800 Ultegra brakes, and those are awesome, so I would say they would be a lot better. Also about 2-4x the cost!

jon1981

Seems i do It's strange that looking them up online, there is little price difference, actually the stock ones are more expensive ... what gives?

Shimano 105 5800 Road Brake Caliper | Chain Reaction Cycles

Shimano Tiagra R451 Road Brake Caliper | Chain Reaction Cycles

dr_lha

$33 for 5800 brakes is a great deal, as long as you're comfortable ordering from the UK.

For the record, I ordered an entire 6800 groupset from the UK, so I am.

jon1981

I'm based in Ireland so it's close enough

dr_lha

If I'd known that I would have answered "That would be an ecumenical matter!"

alcjphil

The first brake callipers you link to will work correctly with your brake levers. The Tiagra callipers in your second link will not work well with your

brake levers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=24&v=beSUvIIwOto

jon1981

lol Good to see Father Ted has reached that far!

jon1981

Thank you also! Ah so the easy way to tell is the cable runs under the tape! I like it!

dedhed

I've ordered from CRC here in the states and never had a problem.

jon1981

Hi Again,

So I took my brakes off and found a model number BR-560. I've found some references online to these being 105 brakes just without the branding on them? If this is so, probably not worthwhile upgrading?

Jon

Jamminatrix

Those are basically non-series 105 5700 equivalent, although they're not identical.

Your 5703 levers are compatible with the 'new' SLR-EV style calipers (9000, 6800, 5800). These will offer more stopping power, but the tradeoff is they are slightly heavier because of the new architecture.

"Worthwhile" upgrade is up to your opinion. If I lived in the mountains, I'd upgrade. Living in flat areas, I'd probably spend money elsewhere.

jon1981

Thanks! I think i'll swap them out. I cycle into the busy city everyday , the extra stopping power will come in useful. Also i'm vain, i wan't the 105 badge

Jamminatrix

Make sure you get the 5800, not 5700. Both are out there in the marketplace until 5700 is completely phased out, which can make it confusing.

jon1981

Yes the 5800, the 5700 were not an option. I have a triple groupset and the only parts of the 5700 series i can find still available are the triple STI shifters and crankset no. 5703. I think Shimano have stopped making 105 triples as I don't see a 5800 equivalent.

Jamminatrix

5800 is 11-speed, so no triples. The new Tiagra 4700 (coming soon) will have a triple option that will be compatible with 5700 105 triple components.

jon1981

I see, so the option will be to fully swap out to a double if you want to stick with the 105s or swap in Tiagra parts to stick with triple. Got it.

Jamminatrix

Yes, but performance should be the same, or improved, since it's basically trickle down with improvements.

Update to my above post... Only the 4700 double will use the new long swing front derailleur with different pull ratio. The 4700 triple will use older style pull ratio, so triple front derailleurs/shifters should be interchangeable between the two groups.

jon1981

I might as well just ride all the 5700 parts until they wear out and then swap out, I never wanted a triple anyway! Thanks for the advice.

alcjphil

You have to keep in mind that brifters perform 2 different and unrelated functions. They shift gears and they actuate the brake callipers. Your brake callipers don't care if you have a double or a triple front derailleur and crank. Shimano 5700 and 5800 series brake callipers use the same cable pull ratio and SLR-EV architecture. Your brake callipers are a non series version of the 105 5700 brakes. "Upgrading" to a 5800 calliper will make very little difference to braking power, you would get more for your money by installing better aftermarket brake pads. There may be small incremental improvements between 5700 brake callipers and 5800 brakes, but there will be no night and day difference. The biggest functional difference between 5700 series brakes and 5800 series brakes is that the latter have a low friction coating on the brake wires that reduces braking effort . Changing your brake cables to the new standard would also be a cost effective way to upgrade your brakes

jon1981

Brake and gear cable is pretty expensive, looking at 25-30 bucks for a set of brake cables. Is it necessary to spend this? any recommendations?

alcjphil

Brake and gear cables are wear items. They will need replacing at some time in any case. If you feel that brake performance is not what it should be, replacing brake callipers may not achieve your goal. Replacing a perfectly good brake calliper when your problem might be cable friction doesn't make sense. One of the side effects of the longer cable pull of 5700/5800 brake callipers is that cable friction becomes a bigger component of overall brake performance

jon1981

Yeah the brake cables are actually fairly new (6 months old). Tension in the cable seems fine and no fraying. Whereas the gear cable is starting to fray at the point where the front derailleur lock nut bites into it. But good to note the cable importance on the braking system.