Upgrading Shimano parts and need help

[Littleshard]

Hi,

I'm brand new to cycle chat so bare with me if I get things a little wrong.

Can anyone out there give me an answer or some advice to a question which I have been getting vastly different replies to (all from professional cycling shops).

I have recently started to upgrade the components on my 2010 Giant Defy 4 (can't afford a complete group-set change so have decided to do it one part at a time), I have just received Shimano 105 (5700 2011) front and rear brakes as a anniversary gift from my wife, can these be used in conjunction with the Shimano 2300 levers/shifters currently fitted to my bike.

Please help!!!!!!

 

[gavintc]

Yes, but if you are upgrading incrementally, you need to watch what other components will work together. I think you could change the bottom bracket, front chainset and front derailleur and still keep your shifters and rear mech/cassette/chain. But once you change the rear mech and cassette, you will need to change the shifters. I am uncertain whether the 10 speed chain of the 105 system would run on the 2300 chainset.

 

[potsy]

According to the blurb they must be used with the appropriate shifters,I had similar worries when I upgraded mine recently and went with the 105 5600 model which were fine.
This from CRC website-


Features:
• Compact Super SLR Dual-Pivot design provides superior brake performance and light action
• Must be used in conjunction with ST-5700, ST-6700 or ST-7900 STIs for correct leverage ratio
• Enhanced brake arch proportions give a quicker linear response and increased power
• Low profile outer cable stop position improves cable routing for reduced friction
• Cartridge brake shoes for easy replacement
• Convex washers on the brake shoes offer toe-in brake adjustment and easy alignment
• Lightweight aluminium construction, with an anodised finish to preserve the good looks
• 49 mm drop

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The official map is here.

Essentially the new levers pull more cable than the old ones, and the new calipers expect more cable pull than the older ones. In other words the old and new have different mechanical leverage.

The effect of using new levers on old calipers is less power because the grip is over leveraged, and with the feeling of the levers coming to a hard stop prematurely.

Conversely old levers on new calipers will feel spongy (and the brake pads have to be set close to the rims for braking to be effective).

Neither is ideal.

 

[Littleshard]

Having been speaking to my riding partner who is suffering from the same issues as me we have discussed at length the engineering aspects and had kind of come to a similar conclusion just needed to hear it from others really so that we can decide what course of action to take with what to upgrade and in which order.

Cheers all

(still interested in any other input)

The official map is here.

Essentially the new levers pull more cable than the old ones, and the new calipers expect more cable pull than the older ones. In other words the old and new have different mechanical leverage.

The effect of using new levers on old calipers is less power because the grip is over leveraged, and with the feeling of the levers coming to a hard stop prematurely.

Conversely old levers on new calipers will feel spongy (and the brake pads have to be set close to the rims for braking to be effective).

Neither is ideal.
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