BRAKES - Tektro r741, SRAM Apex, or SRAM Rival? Please help me decide.
 

I’m needing to upgrade my brakes from some old single pivot brakes to some dual pivot brakes. I have a single speed road bike and use it to get around Seattle which can be VERY hilly, and at times, really wet, so I need some good brakes. I’m only looking to spend around $100 or less for a brake set. Can anyone shed some light on the Tektro r741 (about $75 online), the SRAM Apex (about $60 online), and the SRAM Rival (about $100 online).

I believe all three use Swiss Stop brake pads. The Tektro set weigh 300 grams, the Apex set weigh 308 grams, and the Rival weigh 287 grams.

Do any of the three have a ratting quick release? I’m just looking to get the best bang for my buck. If you have another suggestion for a brake set, please let me know and why.

Thanks for your time!

Not sure on the differences between Apex and Rival but I bet they're quite similar. You may want to see what kind of deal you can get on Force since it offers a few adjustments that Rival doesn't (either tension or centering is unique to force and not on Rival). Otherwise I would say the pads will make the biggest difference here.

Why not try a good set of pads on your current brakes and see if it improves.

I went from Apex to TRP R920, and the difference is gigantic.

My opinion on this is to go with the Rival. Tektro are decent and servicable for the price. Apex are not bad, but not great IMO. The higher "line" the brakes are, the stiffer the body in theory, which makes for better braking. I base this opinion on the fact that most of the bikes in lower price points have Tektro brakes, if they are named at all, and figure it was one of the ways they cut cost.

With good pads I've been happy with every forged dual caliber brakeset that I've used, and that includes Tektro (R720 and a rebadged house brakeset), Shimano (DA, R600) and Sram (Rival).

I believe it's the centering screw that is absent from Rival but oddly enough I think Apex has it. I don't use them on my brakes that have them.

Here is a good deal on Rival ($47): http://www.cyclesport.com/road-bike/...IPER-BRAKE-SET

Shimano Ultegra 6700 brakes are really good too. No idea why you are excluding them. I have seen complete set as low as 120 bucks on nashbar.

By the way, if I were you, I would upgrade the front brakes. Forget the rear.