Are better brakes more powerfull

[Roadrider48]

I have used some horrible expensive brakes and don't think cost automatically equals better. The thing I like about TRP personally is the adjustment seems to be finer than most which allows you to set them up exactly as you wish, I also think stiffness matters a great deal as cheaper calipers can flex slighty as the wheel trys to drag them in the direction of travel.
I'm pretty heavy on my brakes which my coach constantly bitches about. It's not uncommon for the back end of my bike to lift under braking, I am quite comfortable with this and like brakes which give me the confidence to ride this way. A number of brakes don't seem to like being ridden in this manner.

Do you rate any pads as "the best"?

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I rate pads as best depending upon weather. For me personally I find pads change the feel and confidence more than changing drastically the actual stoping distances. I did a test once (not scientific) where I crossed the line at Hillingdon circuit at a fixed speed stated by my garmin and braked. I marked the front wheel point with chalk and repeated with different pads. I did this a number of times with each pad and there was not a pad which stood out in terms reduced braking distance in the dry. I have not done this test in the wet or with wheels other than Zipps.

 

[DooDah]

That's cool. But the big difference for me was the pad quality. I had Koolstop salmons and now I'm using Cole pads. I've got 105 brakes front and back.

I agree, I have Tektro brakes on one bike and Ultegra on another, both with Clarks pads. I can't tell the difference at all.

 

[400bhp]

I rate pads as best depending upon weather. For me personally I find pads change the feel and confidence more than changing drastically the actual stoping distances. I did a test once (not scientific) where I crossed the line at Hillingdon circuit at a fixed speed stated by my garmin and braked. I marked the front wheel point with chalk and repeated with different pads. I did this a number of times with each pad and there was not a pad which stood out in terms reduced braking distance in the dry. I have not done this test in the wet or with wheels other than Zipps.

You sound like a fun guy

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

You sound like a fun guy

What can I say, there are times in my life that, I realise I am that weirdo on the bus in his own little world.
This is one such moment.

 

[Hip Priest]

My philosophy on brake blocks is to just use them until they cease to work. Then continue to use them for another week or so. Then change them once I've had a near miss and realise I don't want to die.

 

[the_mikey]

I upgraded the stock Tektro front brake to 105 and noticed a huge difference. The Tektros felt like they were made of rhubarb - they did stop eventually but gave no confidence.

Are you talking calipers or pads?

 

[derrick]

Have only used a couple of different makes of brake blocks, the salmons seem to be the best in the wet, i have just fitted some clarks pads on the commuter, they seem to work in any condition, but it's the feel on the levers that makes the difference, the salmons seem to feel smother less effort used on levers, but it's totally different setup on both bikes,
at the end of the day both bikes stop well.