Shimano Tiagra Brake Upgrade

[aerobrain]

Hi

I currently have a full Tiagra 2x10sp grouoset on a Specialized Allez Elite. I think the brake blocks could do with replacing. I'm toying between just getting new blocks OR a caliper upgrade!

Two questions:

1) Which blocks if I go down that route

2) What calipers if that route (thinking £100 tops on budget)

To give some background I'm doing Wiggle Tour of the Peak (60 mile) and the Open Cycling Coast to Coast next year so with the masses of climbing I imagine comes so pretty hairy descents!!

Cheers

Lee

 

[DCLane]

Blocks. Much cheaper. And if that doesn't work you can then look at the calipers.

I run Clarks CPS240 Gold on mine, partly because the colours match the bike and partly because they're £10 for a pair with a spare set of pads.

Others like Swisstop.

 

[cosmicbike]

I wouldn't bother upgrading the calipers, unlikely you will see any benefit, and the £100 will be better spent elsewhere.
Can't comment on pads, still on the first set of Shimano's that came on the 105 calipers.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Swisstop Green or Koolstop Salmon pads are both excellent IME.

IME forget Shimano pads, they're pants.

 

[400bhp]

Hi

I currently have a full Tiagra 2x10sp grouoset on a Specialized Allez Elite. I think the brake blocks could do with replacing. I'm toying between just getting new blocks OR a caliper upgrade!

Two questions:

1) Which blocks if I go down that route

2) What calipers if that route (thinking £100 tops on budget)

To give some background I'm doing Wiggle Tour of the Peak (60 mile) and the Open Cycling Coast to Coast next year so with the masses of climbing I imagine comes so pretty hairy descents!!

Cheers

Lee

1. Tiagra done use cartridge inserts so you will just have to go with standard shoes (which IIRC will rule out swisstops etc). But you can buy carttidges which would be better.

FWIW I used to use swisstops which aren't that cheap - I switched over to discobrakes and am very pleased with them. Much much cheaper.

2. Changing the calipers (IMO) will show little difference. It's more down to weight when you move up the food chain.

 

[400bhp]

Swisstop Green or Koolstop Salmon pads are both excellent IME.

IME forget Shimano pads, they're pants.

The standard pads for tiagra are actually OK Smokes. Well, I do say that with the knowledge that they have been used 90 odd% in dry weather over the last year.

 

[TheDoctor]

Get a couple of pairs of these.
They stop well, last ages, and don't wear the rims.
Sora brakes with decent pads were well up to the task of stopping me from 50+mph on Ventoux, and I can't imagine Tiagra are worse.

 

[accountantpete]

I think Ultegra/DA calipers are a bit smoother and a bit more precise - which is ideal for a Pro cyclist but hardly necessary for us lesser mortals.

Better pads/shoe combo would be my choice.

 

[aerobrain]

Cheers guys, some great feedback!!!!!

 

[Biker Joe]

Swisstop greens. You'll not regret it. Somewhere around £22 to £25.