105 BR-1050 to Ultegra BR-6403 long reach - Worth doing?
06-22-12, 03:11 AM
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105 BR-1050 to Ultegra BR-6403 long reach - Worth doing?
Hello all. This is my first post to ask a question on the forums. I have a Specialized Sequoia which originally came with Tektro long reach brakes. I located a set of 105 BR-1050 long reach brakes for an upgrade, and they were a massive improvement. I'm a Clydesdale (220+) and live in a hilly area so brake performance is paramount. I have the chance to purchase a set of mint Ultegra 6403 long reach brakes and am wondering if they would be a further improvement to the braking performance. I upgraded most of the components to Ultegra - 10sp triple crank and BB, front and rear derailleurs, cassette, with KMC chain, and the most recent upgrade was Ultegra 6700 pedals. I have cleaned the rims (Mavic Ksyriums) with a mild alloy polish recommended by my LBS. Would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions
06-22-12, 09:07 AM
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I think you would just see a very slight weight savings, if you want to improve breaking performance, look into replacing the pads with either something from Kool Stop or Swiss Stop.
ETA: My choice would be to stick with the 105s and put some Kool Stop salmon pads on them.
ETA: My choice would be to stick with the 105s and put some Kool Stop salmon pads on them.
Last edited by SER71; 06-22-12 at 09:08 AM. Reason: Add more info.
06-22-12, 10:23 AM
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+1. 1050's are perhaps the best single pivot brakeset ever made (see Sheldon Brown), but 1050's are single pivot and 6403's are dual pivot, so perhaps a minor improvement in braking performance BUT easier to keep them centered to eliminate pad rub. I also find the Tektro R530's to be an outstanding double pivot brakeset in the same reach range, plus you can get them new in either polished or black finish.
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06-22-12, 11:15 AM
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Thanks for the replies guys. I just realised that I made a typo - model no. for the brakes should have read BR-1055 - which makes them dual pivot. This would seem to indicate from what you recommend that there is very little in the way of improvement to be had by changing to the Ultegras, other than matching most of the other components. I will see if my LBS stocks either the Kool Stops or the Swiss Stops. I have not used either so appreciate the suggestions.
06-22-12, 11:39 AM
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Thanks for the replies guys. I just realised that I made a typo - model no. for the brakes should have read BR-1055 - which makes them dual pivot. This would seem to indicate from what you recommend that there is very little in the way of improvement to be had by changing to the Ultegras, other than matching most of the other components. I will see if my LBS stocks either the Kool Stops or the Swiss Stops. I have not used either so appreciate the suggestions.
