Worthwhile upgrading brakes on new Defy 1?

[Mr_Grieve]

I bought a new Defy 1 3 weeks ago and am very happy with it. However, coming for a bike with hydraulic disc brakes, I've found the rim brakes on the Defy a bit...erm..weak. I realise this is only to be expected but wondered if I'd notice any improvement upgrading the tektro to 105 calipers (or even ultegra) or would this simply be relieving my slightly obsessive need to have a full 105 groupset?

 

[young Ed]

I bought a new Defy 1 3 weeks ago and am very happy with it. However, coming for a bike with hydraulic disc brakes, I've found the rim brakes on the Defy a bit...erm..weak. I realise this is only to be expected but wondered if I'd notice any improvement upgrading the tektro to 105 calipers (or even ultegra) or would this simply be relieving my slightly obsessive need to have a full 105 groupset?

don't bother just get on it and ride once those pads are worn out or something else in the brake department needs looking at then you may decide and do whatever seems best then
but for now
Cheers Ed

 

[cyberknight]

Best bet would be the stock pads are a bit naff , many on here like koolstop salmon pads .

 

[TissoT]

Would try replacing the brake blocks as a starter.....

 

[MikeW-71]

+1 change the pads first. The pads that came stock with my Defy 2 (tektro calipers) were poor, I just didn't realise how poor until I changed them for some Clarks CPS240's. They are much better, particularly in the wet.

 

[raleighnut]

Start the 105 ball rolling brakes first then rear mech (when funds allow) and then just uprate as and when. Mind you I don't like the crank and intend swapping it for the ultegra triple I've got in the shed, unless that goes onto the Ridgeback first, discisions, discisions,

 

[DooDah]

Nothing wrong with the Tektro brakes, it is the the pads that are rubbish. I upgraded mine to Clarks, excellent choice imo

 

[Mr_Grieve]

Thanks all. I was thinking of trying new pads first. I suspect I'd not notice a huge difference in the calipers in terms of stopping power but the OCD part of me would be happier with all 105 components . Tbh the brakes aren't that bad but they were always going to suffer being compared to hydraulic discs and I'm not used to the brake levers position yet.

 

[uclown2002]

You need some 105 brakes for sure!

That has nothing to do with the fact I have a new, unused, pair going cheap in another section.

 

[raleighnut]

Thanks all. I was thinking of trying new pads first. I suspect I'd not notice a huge difference in the calipers in terms of stopping power but the OCD part of me would be happier with all 105 components . Tbh the brakes aren't that bad but they were always going to suffer being compared to hydraulic discs and I'm not used to the brake levers position yet.

I'm pretty sure you will notice the difference unless the Tektro are also dual pivot. The 105s will be easier to set up plus you'll get new pads and whats wrong with a little OCD.

 

[maltloaf]

Tektro brakes are fine, it's the pads that let them down. Try some kool stops or similar.

 

[Mr_Grieve]

Thanks @uclown2002 and @raleighnut these were the answers I wanted to hear. Now I know everyone else is probably right and I simply need to replace the pads but I'm sure new 105 calipers will make me feel sooo much better (even if I won't stop sooner).. And @uclown2002 conveniently has some new ones for sale (@uclown2002 you have a PM).

 

[MikeW-71]

I have both. The Tektros are OK (and they are dual-pivot), particularly with decent pads, but where the 105 calipers win is that they have much better "feel" as they have less flex in the materials.