I am in the process of giving a nice face lift to my 1995 Cannondale road bike and would like some advice/opinions on upgrading a few items. I don't want to break the bank, but I do want to buy some quality stuff.
I need a new headset for 1 inch threaded headtube, any recommendations on what to get?

Also, I have Shimano 600 6400 components on the bike now and everything is in working order, but I'd like to upgrade the brakes. From what I've read you need breaks that have the same pull as what your current brakes levers pull now. Anyone know of compatible brake calipers? I'm thinking Tektro with upgraded pads.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
zsmithku

any road brakes will work for you . your choice of Tektro is a good one and yes replace the stock brakepads which come with them ,they not the greatest . about shimano 105 or higher for a headset ?

Ring around and see if you can find a NOS (new old stock) 600 or Ultegra headset. They should last forever if you keep them adjusted properly, and it'll match.

As for brakes, I bet there's nothing wrong with your old ones except the pads. You prolly have enough braking on the rear and only need a nice pair for the front. The calipers might be in need of an overhaul, but I doubt it; they tend to just keep working. Or your cables may be shagged too.

What's the matter with the orginal brakes? would rather have a mid 90's Shimano 6400 than any Tektro brakes, if you don't like their current performance, upgrade the pads first before the brakes.

For the Brake compatibility question, new STI shifters & brakes should match (5700,6700 & 7900), older STI's / brakes don't have this compatibility issue.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to thread jack but I have a r600 as well have have the exact same question. I have the 105 brakeset but want to upgrade to the dura ace 7800 series, I found a set for a good price. Can My bike take the duraace brakes?

yes they will work.

would they be worth the upgrade? What all would I have to do to upgrade?

You may want to consider simply upgrading to Koolstop pads instead of changing the brakes entirely; especially if they are dual pivot brakes already.

Probably not worth the upgrade. The 6400 calipers are very strong. If you get Kool Stop Salmons, I imagine you won't need any more stopping power than that.

How old are the brake cables and cable housings? If there is excess friction along the cable new cables and housings can make a huge improvement in braking performance. KoolStop salmon colored pads could also make a huge improvement.

Totally not worth it unless you can get the DA brakes for a steal. Even then, you may get more enjoyment from them by just leaving them on the coffee table.

You might just notice a very slight improvement in modulation, but it'll be nothing compared to the difference good pads and cables will make. But they look f'in sweet.

As far as getting them for a steal I can get both the front and rear brakeset for 100 combined. To my knowledge the bike has not been upgraded or been through a maintenance since it was bought in 1999