Brake upgrade on 2010 Specialized Alled

[Cp40Carl]

Hi Guys

Appreciate some advice. Tried using better brake blocks on Specialized Allez to improve what I considered to be poor braking. However, not made too much difference. Been looking to pick p some Shimano 105s to upgrade what appear to be the stock (Tektro?) calliper but just seen these (link below). Would they be any good as got Halfords voucher to spend?

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-brakes/sram-apex-front-rear-brake-set-black

These also seem good...

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-parts/bike-brakes/miche-performance-calliper-brakes-57mm-pair

Also, would they fit or do I need to do any drilling?

 

[Ajax Bay]

The SRAMs are probably better than the Miches (which are long drop which you won't need). The bolt/nut (allen key) fitting will be the same: no drilling required. Be prepared for the improvement in braking not to match your expectations - others will suggest blocks which will improve braking performance.
It would help if you provided a link to the brake callipers you have on and which blocks you've tried as replacements for the originals.

 

[Cp40Carl]

Thanks for this info, so helpful. I've got Clarke's Elite blocks on at the moment. Improvement over previous pair.

Here are pics of my current brakes...(thanks again).

 

[Ajax Bay]

Other folk will likely come along suggesting other blocks not Clarks which should give you enhanced braking performance with your current calipers.
Perhaps this thread might help you: recommend-me-some-brake-pads

 

[Cp40Carl]

Great, thank you. I suppose that all calliper essentially do the same thing although some may exert more pressure. I will have a think in this, thanks Ajax Bay, appreciate your advice.

 

[J1888]

Is the Alled the Welsh version?

I'll get my coat

 

[Ajax Bay]

No, there is a considerable variation in quality of calipers, but you can get greater sensibly affordable benefit from better pads before the decision/expense of 'upgrading' the calipers. And if you do go for caliper replacements, the good blocks you've bought can be transferred across. Remember it's really only the front brake that matters: even a weak rear brake can lock up the wheel quite easily, so modulation of braking effect on the rear is more important, rather than stopping force. Why not just spend some money on a single pair of good pads and put them on the front and see how you go?

 

[Apollonius]

There are three possible stages of upgrade here, and I have done all of them, so I can speak with experience.
Stage 1 - about a 10% improvement is to put Swissstop green blocks into your Tektro calipers.
Stage 2 is to replace the shoes and blocks (comes as a unit) with Ultegra shoes/blocks. About another 10% improvement, and worth the money.
Stage 3 is to replace the whole brake caliper with the generic Campagnolo "skeleton" brake. This costs £40 - £50 but gives you brakes that really work.

Obviously, upgrading to another decent Shimano brake caliper would work too, but I have not done this personally, so cannot give a valid opinion on it.

 

[Cp40Carl]

Thanks guys. I think that I can summarise as follows - jump from Tektro to SRAM Apex probably not that big. Better to either get really decent pads (particularly for front brake) and use with Tektro for now. If that doesn't solve things then I will consider major upgrade on front calliper.

 

[Apollonius]

That seems reasonable. I strongly recommend the Ultegra shoes/pads route. Part of the problem is that the cheaper calipers corrode at the pivots and friction losses mean less braking effect. I suppose you could take them apart and lubricate the pivots, but I don't know how effective that would be. Friction losses in old cables also have an effect of the negative sort, so maybe a new cable would help. Again, not all cables are equal, so get decent.