I agree, a few people I ride with had Tektro brakes and have no issues with them at all. As you said they upgraded the pads. As stated above I only want the Shimano calipers to match the rest of the group. I see you mentioned the Kool Stops. I have no experience with them I have only used Shimano pads so far. The last group ride I did there was an extensive discussion between two guy's. One of them swore by kool stop salmon pads but the other guy said you can't beat swissstop green pads. When I install my Ultegra calipers I may try one of the two, do you all have experience with both?