I'm close to finishing my frame and don't like cantilevers and honestly installing them for the first time without any type of jig seems like a nightmare. So to keep with my standard road frame idea but just more tire clearance since I'll be 32mm Panaracer Gravel Kings. I'm looking at long reach calipers. So far I've found a couple of models...

Velo Orange Grand Cru $$$$
Tektro R539 $$
TRP RG957 $$$$
Shimano R451 $
Shimano R650 $$$
Nashbar Long Reach $

The VO and TRP are out of my sights because of the insane price for a caliper. Though the VO had really good reviews as their quite stiff and look like their cnc'd and look nice.

I like the Tektros since their available in black and R650 since I believe their Ultegra level calipers. The only nit picky thing is that I'm only seeing silver being offered. The bike will have mostly black and gold components as the frame will be mostly white with black seat and head tubes and black and gold artwork. So no silver parts.

Also unsure about brake levers as it's mostly Suntour Superbe Pro components(yes those Pro parts) and I'm not a fan of the Gran Compe levers. Plus if I go with Shimano calipers normally they work better with SLR levers. I'm not much of a Shimano person so I don't venture there too much. I just want black on black. Black levers, black hoods as I'm not sure how gum would look. I do like the ergos of Tektro levers as I've had quite a few sets but they look with bulky and with this bike having standard size tubing they might look out of place.

So suggestions, experience, thoughts...whatever. Help!

The Tektro 559s are very good brakes, google Tektro 559 black and you'll find black ones. One vendor has a set for $60, shipped free.

I'm using a Shimano R451 on the front of my Univega fixie - no problems at all. Modulates well and seems to provide good braking "power". Not a real fan of the dull finish.

I just rebuilt an older Raleigh Competition frame. I used Tektro 559 silver brakes for the 700c wheels (was 27"), and am very pleased for the price. The quality seems right up there, and they stop very well. I put 700x028 tires on it, but I think they could take 32s without any issue.

You don't need much of a jig to position cantilever bosses. Just a simple metal platewith holes or a slot, and bolts to thread into the boss to hold it (the long extension on the bolts is for production work, where a short bolt would get excessively hot):

Will you ride the bike off road?

Mud, gravel etc.

I bought the R559s for my fiancee's bike and was pleasantly surprised by how firm the brakes feel, despite their long reach. I would buy another set, and still might for my rando bike someday.

Be careful with the reach of the Tektros, mine are almost too long.

My daily single speed late-70's Peugeot (with a massively long fork) now sports a Shimano R451 long reach caliper. I looked at the Tektro options back when deciding, but the Shimano won out based on relative cost and finish quality. I liked it so much I bought another. And FWIW, they work just fine with shorty cross-top Tektro levers.

Up here in the thumb is mostly all gravel roads besides the main highways. In just maybe a two mile radius from my house we have roads that have "Impassable Road" signs. Just stuff tractors and the good ol' boys take their pickups down. Lol. Not much climbing but just lots of unpaved roads.

That sounds fantastic!

Little bit like the BWCA/Northern Minnesota where I ride all summer.

So, if you take John's great suggestion for a jig, you could go TRP mini v's or Paul Mini Motos.

Both of those can be found used, both really shine off road and both use Kool Stop salmons.

Are you using fenders? If so, both of these work well with wide tire and fender combos.

Just another option.

Add another for the Tektro R559. Great brake, great price.

I put Tektro 539 calipers on the front to provide longer reach when I went from 27" to 700cc wheels. It has worked very well and I don't feel stiffness is an issue at all. Tektro aero levers as well.

You need to clarify what brake reach is required for your frame. Your list includes mid-reach brakes (55 mm, for example Shimano R451 and R650) and long-reach brakes (73 mm, for example Tektro R559).

Measure the distance from the brake bolt to the brake track on the rim. That's the reach you need, and you pick a caliper that fits that range.
I suspect since you're using a "standard road frame" that the long-reach brakes would place the pads well below the rim.

If it turns out that you need medium-reach brakes, I'd recommend the R451 Shimanos. Their dual-pivot calipers have very little functional difference between the levels; the big difference is in finish.


Regarding brake levers, I love the TRP RRL levers. They have the best ergonomics that I've tried. You can get the black/black model for about $60 shipped.

Modern dual pivot brakes work really well, regardless of brand. I put some long reach generic, unbranded calipers on a bike, and I couldn't want anything more. Go with whatever fits your budget and whose æsthetics you like.

I'm not going to be running fenders so just enough to clear the Panaracer Gravel King 32mm tire with about 5mm to spare. It does seem a bit small for a 32mm because my Challenge Bianca Strada seems bigger but I'm guessing since these are handmade they stretch a lot more then a normal made tire.

I haven't finished the frame as I've got to attach the seat stays still. I'll measure in a bit and see exactly what I'll need.

Another vote for Tektro's - cheap, good looking, and good braking.