Upgrade Brake Calipers Tektro to 105

KAZ0077

Hi,
I am thinking of upgrading the calipers on my bike from the Tektro ones that came with it to perhaps 105 - new cables etc also.
I am just wondering if this is worth it?

The bike currently runs Shimano 2300, will probably have to hold onto it for a while so was thinking of this small upgrade (and wheels) to improve it but am not so sure?

Thanks,

Chips Lovell

Generally speaking, when it comes to dual pivot at least, brakes are brakes and usually what you're paying for are slightly lighter models as you move up the chain.

If you think your Tektro brakes are crap, then get Shimano ones. Even cheaper than 105 will do the job. If they aren't crap, don't bother.

KAZ0077

Thanks - they are the ones came with the 2300 group set so I presumed they would be pretty rubbish/bottom of the ladder.

I did think that brakes are brakes but as I am not at this too long I thought it was just my lack of knowledge about these things that made it seem so.

Thanks!!

CramCycle

Upgrade the brake pads first,you will see a huge improvement with that alone for minimal investment, after that, as Vlad says, its generally just lighter rather than better IMO.

joxerjohn

The 105 5700 model calipers are a different design to previous 5600/5500 or the tektro model equivalent calipers that you have. Shimano do not recommend putting the 5700 calipers with ealrier model shifters/braker levers.

So I would not recommend 105 5700 model calipers for you but 5600 or earlier model one would be compatible. I would also change the pads as a first step improvement as previously suggested, the shimano dura-ace/ultegra ones are good pads.

I upgraded recently to 5700 shifters and calipers and notice a marked improvement in braking over my previous set up which had tektro 720 calipers.

TonyStark

Recently splurged out on some Swissstop Green pads to fit on my Tektro TK-R312 brakes. There was a noticeable improvement in stopping power about 20%*

I too was deciding to whether to replace the brakes or not. I found the pad upgrade was enough to quench my urge. :-)



* Pure subjective guesstimate, may not be accurate.

Chips Lovell

It's a good point re. pads. You will notice a difference in cheap pads in my experience. There are some out there that are plain nasty.

WillyFXP

I put Shimano 105 pads on my sons bike to upgrade the tektro oem pads that it came with, made a huge difference.

KAZ0077

Thanks everyone, very helfpul as always.
Will look at upgrading the pads first.

Cheers

outfox

You could also get a label maker, and stick a Shimano 105 or Ultegra label over the Tektro. Might help.:D

Cee-Jay-Cee

I have shimano BR-R450 long reach brakes on my winter bike, they were originally fitted with sora/tiagra spec pads which were absolute rubbish so i changed the pads to 105 pads and the difference is like night and day. Theyre now sharp and precise so just upgrade your pads first and see how you get on.

KAZ0077

If I am going to the trouble of making labels I might as well go Dura Ace sure :-)

detones

KAZ0077 wrote: »

If I am going to the trouble of making labels I might as well go Dura Ace sure :-)

There are 5700 105 Calibers on Merlin at the moment for €36. As mentioned before though to work at there optimum they need to be matched with the appropriate levers.

Wishbone Ash

My single speed/fixie has Tektro brakes and they appear to be much better than the 105's on my two road bikes.

TonyStark

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

It's a good point re. pads. You will notice a difference in cheap pads in my experience. There are some out there that are plain nasty.

When I installed my swisstop ones the fronts were as I like to put "cosy". the back ones had a squeal... just readusted the tow etc a little trial and error.. wiped the rim as well.. and they were just dandy.