Yes, there can be a difference between cheap and more expensive brakes, but Tektro to SRAM Red is pretty excessive. SRAM Rival will work just as well as Red for a lot less money. SRAM road brakes really are pretty boss - I've been very impressed with my Rivals. The stock pads are even pretty good. Shimano brakes will probably also do very well, especially from 105 and up. The Tektros are known to be capable brakes, but perhaps not quite on par with more expensive models. I would be okay with them on a bike I intended to just cruise around on, but if I'm going to be hauling ass, better performance is nice. That said, I did some serious ass-hauling last year (race season) with old Shimano 105 single-pivot sidepulls, and I survived. Seriously built up my hand strength, too!