upgrading brakes
 

i currently have this on my bike:

Shifters Shimano ST-R700 STI, adjustable reach, 10 speed
Brakeset Cane Creek 3 long reach w/Shimano adj. reach STI levers

i want to get either some 105's or ultegra calipers to replace the cane creek calipers. will either one of these work on my bike?

thanks.

I suspect that the issue is going to be caliper reach. carefully measure the VERTICAL distance between the brake mounting hole and the brakeing surface of your rim. Measure both wheels because they might be different.

If the distance is between 39 and 49mm, regular reach 105 or Ultegra calipers will work. If it's more than that, you'll need long reach calipers. Shimano R600 brakes are priced between 105 and Ultegra (actually closer to Ultegra). Shimano A550 brakes are priced between Tiagra and 105 (actually closer to Tiagra).

thanks a lot.

i searched around and found some stuff on the cane creek's.
scr-3 reach=39-49mm
scr-3L reach=47-57mm

ultegra and 105's are 49mm reach. if i have the scr-3l on my bike (which i think i do), then either the ultegra or 105 calipers will work because they fall into the reach range for the 3L's. am i correct?

is it hard to replace these myself? or should the LBS replace?

thanks!

Why are you upgrading these calipers? If it is a performance issue, might I suggest that you try some Kool Stop or Shimano DuraAce pads first? You should notice much better braking response with better pads.

at this time, i have a little $ to spend...but will most likely not get anything as the $ isn't burning a hole in my pocket :)

i have purchased some kool stop pads and will be replacing stock pads this afternoon. it was/is also kind of a "look" factor involved as well. i've got a set of shiny new ksyrium elite's and it sure would look sweet with some silver looking brake calipers....

Not necessarily. If the pads on the scr-3ls are all the way at the top, then it will work (the reach will be 47mm). However, if they are close to the bottom, normal reach brakes won't work.

the pads are located very close to the bottom, so i would think, then, that i would need long reach calipers, should i decide to get them.