Originally Posted by
sam_cyclist
Have you tried upgrading the pads first? Try kool stops. Perhaps $12 for front and rear and maybe 5 minutes of install time.
If you are getting new wheels and a new 105 groupset, and if you require shop labor to install the group, you are looking at $1K in upgrade costs.
This is very close to the cost of some pretty nice 105 5800 bikes, such as the Giant Defy 1 2015.
If I had $1K to spend on upgrades, I would just buy a new bike.
I have not tried pads, but read enough forum threads about these particular Tektro brake to know it's the caliper not the pad. I've read dozens of posts of people installing Kool Stop or Shimano pads and still having to poor modulation and brake feel
I do all my own labor so that's not an issue. I paid $500 for the bike, $700 in upgrades brings me to $1200. Even if I could get the Defy for $1200, I wouldn't want it because I like more aggressive geometry and it has Tektro brakes, FSA cranks and heavy entry level wheels which are three reasons I want to upgrade my current bike Same with new CAAD10 105 or any other 105 bike in that price range, they all come with lower level wheels, brakes and cranks.