I bought a 2009 Specialized Allez Sport about a month ago and am already looking to upgrade the no-name brakes that came on the bike. My question is whether I should get Shimano 105 brakes to match the component level of the bike, should I go up to Ultegra, go with something else altogether, or HTFU and not worry about my brakes.

Thanks.

i'm going to guess the brakes are probably tektro?

most likely they are pretty good, i would replace the pads with some kool stops or swiss stops and be done with it. i have replaced the pads on every bike i've ever ridden, stock pads are usually lacking, and for the relatively low price of new pads - they will make the biggest difference in braking capability of the bike.

now if you just want to upgrade for the sake of upgrading, go right to dura ace.

In general I wouldn't worry about brakes. You can do more to impact their performance by switching the pads than you will by stepping "up" to a 105 form the Tektros you have.

If you move up in the Shimano line then save your pennies and buy some DA clampers. Be careful about buying 7900 now because they advise that you use the 7900 levers with them. I would look for a set of 7800 calipers on ebay or overseas. You can keep them for a long time and move them from bike to bike and still end up selling them for most of what you paid for them even years later.