Hello there,

I have a pair of tektro r559 (last version, with quick release) on a 650b conversion.

I am using them with Shimano pre 2008 shifters (199x rx100) and the performance is dismal.

I've installed them with utter care (filed ferrules, excellent pads etc etc)

Could it be that Tektro changed the cable pull to match the last Shimano standard (super SLR and beyond)?

No information is available on the Tekro website...

To understand if cable pull/leverage changes will make a difference it helps to know the actual dismal performance. Do the levers bottom out on the bars without generation enough braking? Or is it no matter how hard you do squeeze the levers don't touch the bars but the bike also doesn't stop well? We assume that you use your ft brake fully too. Andy

Try some better brake pads maybe? That's more than half the battle for me on my various bikes.

I've had two pairs of those calipers, used each with differing kinds of brake levers, and never found them be very good at stopping. I wrote them off and have never used them again for any builds.

I'd imagine the long-reach brakes are quite a compromise.

Can you use them with longer pull brake levers such as the Tektro RL520 levers?

Even the RL340/Origin8 Classique/TRP RRL, etc all pull quite a bit of cable.

Shimano 5700/6700 or better?

We've got a pair on my wife's mixte. I think they have a nice firm feel, and they stop a lot more decisively than other long-reach brake options from the past.

Virtually no chance that they were secretly updated to work with 11-speed groups. The rework would add cost, and retro bikes are the market for these brakes anyway.

I should have provided more details, I apologize.

To explain why i had this idea of the updated cable pull, I will give some context,

I had installed on the exact same bike a different version of the tektro r559 (Silver, no quick release block) and they were fine: I could perform an endo from the tops! (I had kool stop pads methinks)

I moved these brakes to another bike and bought a different and updated version (black, quick release lock — I've installed dura ace brake pads)

The front brake stop me OK from the drops, but they just slow me down from the tops — could it be the pads?!

The rear is fine.

Still, they recently release an updated version, so who knows...

I only have a pair of 340s, but it Is quite a hassle to change the handlebar, but I will give it a go as my last option.

I've noticed these brakes tend to perform much better with flat bar levers (IMHO is bit more like braking from the drops)

I should have a pair of used but still usable Kool of stop pads somewhere...will give them a go.

I've found them OK with flat bar levers, here I am dealing with drop bar shifters...and they are quite disappointing

Where are you seeing that they updated them? Link? The Tektro page doesn't mention a recent change.

I have two r559 different models : one is older and has no "quick release lock", the other is newer and it has it

I've found some information here

https://www.rivbike.com/products/bra...tro-r559-allen

Ah, the ones I bought a while back have that weird QR lock on them as well. Checking the Sheldon Brown/Harris brake page on the Wayback Machine, it looks like that was introduced around 2012. I'm pretty sure that's the only meaningful change they've had in years, but I could be wrong...

I don't know if the R559 cable pull was changed, but I do know that my R559's really sucked when paired with older Shimano 105 aero levers.

When I switched to the TRP RRL levers, braking performance was way better, I can do a proper panic stop with just the front brake.

It does feel like the RRL levers pull more cable.

I believe that starting with Shimano 5700 and 6700 series, the cable pull for braking was increased. So switching to Shimano 10 or 11 speed should help.

Thanks for the feedback.

Do Your 559s have the tiny "quick release" block?
Thanks!

https://www.tektro.com/products.php?p=45 as a typical side pull albeit able to reach around fat tires ..

a cantilever pull straight bar , or a non aero , cable out the top , drop bar levers ,
have a cable pull in between shorter Aero, cable under tape sorts, and longer pull that are V brake compatible..

Unfortunately I did not understand your point here...what does this mean?

3 lever cable pull categories short , long,, & medium in the middle ..

Understand leverage / mechanical advantage ?

Supply & Demand ?

The caliper is the Demand end . on lever end Supply ,
Short pull is high MA, long pull is Low MA
so you set up to accommodate the lever .. with how you set the gap between pads and rim ..





..

Sure thing! Yes, they have the quick release.