Are better brakes more powerfull

[derrick]

This is for a road bike, there is a big difference in price on brakes, what are you getting for your hard earned wedge, is just lighter or is there more to it?

 

[MikeW-71]

Mostly lighter IMO, probably stiffer materials in the higher end stuff.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I think I run some reasonably high end brakes (not sure if they are what you consider to be better)

on my Tarmac I have TRP full carbon R950 SL
http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1011&catid=183&subcat=0

on my Di2 Venge I run TRP R979 EQ
http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1135&catid=183&subcat=0

On my CVNDSH Venge Im supposed to run SRAM rim brakes, but don't cos SRAM have recalled them

I purchased TRP brakes after being unimpressed with the braking experience I was getting on wheels with carbon braking surfaces in the wet. I was advised to try them by someone at Zipp and I generally find them to be better in this regard which is why I continue to use them.
The appearance of the brakes and the weight also appeal to me but that's secondary.

 

[totallyfixed]

This is for a road bike, there is a big difference in price on brakes, what are you getting for your hard earned wedge, is just lighter or is there more to it?

Don't listen to Mr high blood cell, he only uses the cheap stuff. [wonder if he will flog my better half a pair of 202 tubs cheap ]

 

[400bhp]

Isn't this a question you've already answered?

By definition if they are better they are more powerful. Or is better some other meaning?

 

[Roadrider48]

I think I run some reasonably high end brakes (not sure if they are what you consider to be better)

on my Tarmac I have TRP full carbon R950 SL
http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1011&catid=183&subcat=0

on my Di2 Venge I run TRP R979 EQ
http://www.trpbrakes.com/category.php?productid=1135&catid=183&subcat=0

On my CVNDSH Venge Im supposed to run SRAM rim brakes, but don't cos SRAM have recalled them

I purchased TRP brakes after being unimpressed with the braking experience I was getting on wheels with carbon braking surfaces in the wet. I was advised to try them by someone at Zipp and I generally find them to be better in this regard which is why I continue to use them.
The appearance of the brakes and the weight also appeal to me but that's secondary.

Have you got any experience of cork pads for carbon rims, if so, are they any good please?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Have you got any experience of cork pads for carbon rims, if so, are they any good please?

I use cork pads extensively during winter as they seem to stop in a more controlled manner in the wet, the braking surface used by zipp can be a little grabby in certain situations. by contrast Cork pads seem to be slightly worse in the dry and squeal like pig being strangled, they also have a higher wear rate from my experience.

 

[Roadrider48]

I use cork pads extensively during winter as they seem to stop in a more controlled manner in the wet, the braking surface used by zipp can be a little grabby in certain situations. by contrast Cork pads seem to be slightly worse in the dry and squeal like pig being strangled, they also have a higher wear rate from my experience.

Lol...."squeak like a pig" I recently bought a set of Cole pads and am very happy with the wet performance so far.
It makes sense about the cork pads squealing in summer, what with being dry and all.
I believe the Cole's are good for ally and carbon rims. Reason for asking you is that I am in the market for some nice wheels and it got me wondering about the best pads to use. Currently using the Cole's on a set of Mavics.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[slowmotion]

If they stop the bike quickly, that's good enough for me. I don't care about a few tens of grammes.

 

[mattobrien]

I have some SRAM red brakes on my summer bike. On the other bike I had 105 brakes and the difference was extremely noticeable. The SRAM brakes are exceptional, so much so, I wouldn't want to have any more braking power. I have recently switched to carbon wheels with the SRAM brakes and they still perform excellently. I haven't tested this set up in the wet though, it's carbon, it may melt...

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

You have working SRAM red brakes in your possession now I have heard of everything.

 

[mattobrien]

You have working SRAM red brakes in your possession now I have heard of everything.

I can send you a picture if you want

No problems from SRAM here, only praise.

I understand they have an issue with a single feature / STI hydraulic seal and that they weren't really prepared to deal with the fall out, but you can't magic 19,000 sets of shifters and callipers out of thin air if you physically don't have them and can't get them made any quicker.

 

[Andrew_P]

Me too, SRAM Red brakes really are night and day compared to my 105 bike, slightly different centring them but brilliant once set up.

 

[Hacienda71]

I would love to see data showing how two different callipers with the same leverage and force applied can be better than one another other than weight. Brake blocks with different compounds I get, I just do not get how two callipers applying the same force can have different braking performance. If the design is identical (groupset hierachy from the same manufacturer) just the materials used are different weights why would there be any difference in stopping power.
I strongly suspect that in a clinical environment there would be no difference.

 

[Roadrider48]

I've noticed big differences by changing the blocks/pads. When I changed from Tektro stock brakes to 105 there wasn't really a markable difference, even using the same pads in both. They even look quite similar in appearance.