Madone 4.5 Brakes
02-04-09, 10:30 PM
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Madone 4.5 Brakes
My wife just got her 4.5 Madone and I took it for a spin to compare it to my 4.7 and I was amazed at the difference between the Ultegra Brakes on my 4.7 (great) and the generic brakes on her 4.5(bad).
Do you think the difference is in the calipers or the pads? Could it be adjustment from the bike just being built and the shop not adjusting it right?
If I wanted to upgrade them, should I just change the pads or replace the calipers as well? If I should replace the calipers, should I go with the 105 or the Ultegra?
Do you think the difference is in the calipers or the pads? Could it be adjustment from the bike just being built and the shop not adjusting it right?
If I wanted to upgrade them, should I just change the pads or replace the calipers as well? If I should replace the calipers, should I go with the 105 or the Ultegra?
02-04-09, 10:42 PM
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This was one of the reasons I got the 5.1 instead of the 4.5. I test rode both pretty extensively and I just wasn't even remotely happy with the brakes on the 4.5 after trying the 5.1.
02-05-09, 05:12 AM
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I'd replace the calipers, changing the pads will help, but I think stiffer calipers would offer the most improvement. I'd go the 105 to match the rest of the cpomponents.
Last edited by kleng; 02-05-09 at 05:15 AM.
02-05-09, 07:54 AM
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The calipers. The upgrade from RSX calipers to new Ultegras on my bike was like drum brakes to high performance disc brakes.
02-05-09, 09:12 AM
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Upgrade the calipers to 105. Even at that level you never hear anyone say they aren't happy with Shimano's brakes.
02-06-09, 08:01 AM
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Ditto what everyone says. Shop around, you should be able to find Ultegra calipers for not much more than 105s. The new set will come with brake pads too. I haven't ridden with 105 calipers. But Ultegra's are first rate brakes.
zac
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02-06-09, 10:35 AM
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Going from generic pads to good pads will give you more stopping improvement than going from generic calipers to good ones...ideally you can upgrade both.
