Have an opportunity to upgrade Shimano 600 brakes to Ultegra 6600 for around $60. Is it worth doing? I can't tell the difference except for the color - assume there's a weight difference? Thanks.

Shimano 600 brakes are "old ultegra", last generation - they wouldn't be sold on new bikes nowadays. Modern ultegras are dual pivot. I believe the 600's were only single pivot. Are you sure it's 600?

I'm pretty sure the 600 (8sp and lower Ultegra really) brakes were single pivot. Be aware that there are at least three generations of Ultegra brakes since then, although I think they are all dual pivot, and all pretty close to the same. I think that dual pivot brakes are a bit nicer, but if you are happy with the current set I wouldn't bother.

Alternatively, you could leave the rear single pivot and put a dual pivot in the front, and then pretend it's better that way (I'm not serious, I'm making fun of Campy).

I currently have Shimano 600 on my Miyata (1991 vintage). Everything is upgraded to 6600 Ultegra ex. the brakes. Now, I have access to a mint condition but used set of 6600 for $60. So, just don't know whether it's worth changing or not.

If your old calipers are single-pivot, then you might feel the difference. If you're just "upgrading" from older dual-pivot calipers to newer, probably not.

FYI: Velobase is a great resource:

Older 600EX single-pivot calipers (I have some of these):
https://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...m=117&AbsPos=2
Late-'80's 600 Ultegra single-pivot calipers:
https://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...m=117&AbsPos=0
Early '90's 600 Ultegra dual-pivot calipers (I have some of these, also):
https://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...m=117&AbsPos=1

They're dual pivot. Jeff - thanks for the reference links. So apart from shinier silver and slightly ligher weight, I shouldn't expect any differences, correct? Sounds like I should keep my $60.

Save your money. Unless you really have nothing better to do with it. I'd rather just spend it on some good food.

I'm still using my old 600 dual pivots...great brakes. The newer 6600's should be about 70 grams lighter, though...check the listings at weightweenies.starbike.com

Thanks for the great link! Does anyone know if the early '90s 600 Ultegra brake pads can be replaced, or do I have to buy new brake shoes as well? I'm looking at either the Shimano R55C2 brake pads https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...64_-1___204962 or replacing the entire shoe with something like a Shimano 105 shoe/pad combo https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...81_-1___204962.

I do notice that the 600 Ultegra shoes don't come with a screw in addition to the Allen that holds the shoe to the brake caliper.

You'd probably feel more difference buying new pads than the new (used) brakes. Definitely not worth it. 70 grams is about 2 sips out of your water bottle.

IMO, there's little functional difference (even between dual and single pivot brakes, AFAIK), but some like their componentry to match. there's nothing wrong with that.

I'm running three types of Ultegra brakes on my bikes - single-pivot, 1st generation dual pivot, and 6500 dual pivot. The dual pivot brakes have a much stronger braking power over the singles, but I can't really tell a difference between the sets of duals.

PCWCFA- You've reopened an old thread so as you see you may get answers unrelated to your question. Generally it's best to start your own thread. Anyway, you can still get the one piece pads for your brakes but if you go to the shoe with replaceable cartridge pads you will have more choices of pads. You may have to enlarge the slot to take the larger bolt on the newer system. Welcome to Bike Forums!