Tektro Brakes, Replace for 105 or Just the Pads?

[bpsmith]

The brakes that came with my Defy 1 feel a bit poor. Been trying to read up online and get conflicting info.

Toying with changing the brakes for 105, to match the rest of the groupset having read good reviews, but found a few links suggesting that upgrading the pads alone is a worthwhile spend?

Have seen that Ribble have the 105's for £44.99, which I assume is both front and back. Do these sets usually include the pads?

All advice greatfully received.

 

[HLaB]

I got a replacement bike recently and to cut a long story short it requred Tektro brakes and they were cr@p, I won't be in a rush to change them though and haven't but Ive replaced the pads; Koolstops and Swisstop are highly rated. I'm using Aztec now I think and it improved the braking too.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

The brakes that came with my Defy 1 feel a bit poor. Been trying to read up online and get conflicting info.

Toying with changing the brakes for 105, to match the rest of the groupset having read good reviews, but found a few links suggesting that upgrading the pads alone is a worthwhile spend?

Have seen that Ribble have the 105's for £44.99, which I assume is both front and back. Do these sets usually include the pads?

All advice greatfully received.

I had Tektro brakes on my 2010 Secteur Elite when I bought it and they were pants, swapped them for 105's and had them on ever since no problems.

 

[inkd]

My Defy 3 has tektro brakes, I bought new Koolstop pads and carriers and it changed the braking dramatically. I would start upgrading but I have the go ahead for a new bike next year

 

[Deleted member 35268]

I had Tektro brakes on my Defy 2.5 for about 3 years, then the rear just locked up - rusted and corroded. I swapped them out for a Tiagra set (2nd hand on ebay for about £24) - and then upgraded those to Ultegra (car boot sale).

 

[Smokin Joe]

I have Tektro calipers on my bike and I'm not impressed, upgrade planned.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I have Tektro brakes on two bikes and they are poor.

Buying pads is a way to improve braking but upgrading makes more sense. I would upgrade mine if I used those bikes a bit more. I cannot get 105 long reach anyway

I upgraded to Dura Ace on my other bike so I have a low mileage set of 105 to sell. £35 posted - bank transfer or PayPal gift. Pads have lots of life left.

Send me a pm if interested.

 

[bpsmith]

Thanks for the info guys. Do new sets come with pads with them?

Will be looking to upgrade in a couple of months probably.

 

[bpsmith]

I have Tektro brakes on two bikes and they are poor.

Buying pads is a way to improve braking but upgrading makes more sense. I would upgrade mine if I used those bikes a bit more. I cannot get 105 long reach anyway

I upgraded to Dura Ace on my other bike so I have a low mileage set of 105 to sell. £35 posted - bank transfer or PayPal gift. Pads have lots of life left.

Send me a pm if interested.

Cheers for the offer. Will PM when ready to upgrade. You may well have sold by then.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks for the info guys. Do new sets come with pads with them?

Will be looking to upgrade in a couple of months probably.

Yes, they come complete.

 

[slowmotion]

I had Tektro brakes on my 2010 Secteur Elite when I bought it and they were pants, swapped them for 105's and had them on ever since no problems.

So did I....and yes, they really were pretty awful, even with different pads. I have Miche brakes and Clarke pads on the new bike and I'm very happy with them.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Do new sets come with pads with them?

Yes they do but FYI stock Shimano pads are $hite and are made of cheese.

So even if you decide to fit 105 calipers I'd still recommend fitting decent pads such as Swissstop Green or Koolstop Salmon.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I wouldn't bother splashing out on a pair of calipers, just get the front only for a cheap good quality upgrade like this -

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-ultegra-6700-brake-caliper/

Any old crap will do on the rear wheel and will be perfectly capable of locking it up. All the stopping power is at the front end.

 

[John the Monkey]

... I swapped them out for a Tiagra set (2nd hand on ebay for about £24) - and then upgraded those to Ultegra (car boot sale).

Much difference between the two? I'm pondering R450 or 651 for my Giant SCR2.0 - brakes look the same, but I'd be interested in your thoughts as someone who's used calipers from both ranges.

 

[bpsmith]

I wouldn't bother splashing out on a pair of calipers, just get the front only for a cheap good quality upgrade like this -

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-ultegra-6700-brake-caliper/

Any old crap will do on the rear wheel and will be perfectly capable of locking it up. All the stopping power is at the front end.

Do the callipers work between ranges ok then? I have the 2014 Defy 1 with 105 shifters. Wasn't sure if Ultegra would be compatible.