ancker

I absolutely love my new bike, but I can't figure out why Giant stuck chrome brake calipers on such a beautiful Black/White bike...

So... I'm looking for a set of decent black brake calipers. My current ones are Tektro R540. I'd like to shave off a few grams if possible but that isn't the priority here.

I've been eyeing the Tektro R570. Anyone have any experiences?
Are there any other options I should consider in the $75 shipped range?

Propofol

How about SRAM Rival calipers? I see them selling for as low as $69/pr on eBay. Example:

https://cgi.ebay.com/Sram-Rival-Brake...item1c1a18cd9c

M_FactorX19

if you can spend just a little more get a pair of planet x cnc ultralights. they weigh in at around 195g with pads and you can get them in any color you want. not to mention they come with swiss stop pads already installed.

https://www.planet-x-usa.com/pCNC%20U...ht-Brakes.aspx

Propofol

So you're recommending that he spend more than double his stated budget when he's already said shaving weight isn't a priority with him? That makes sense...

VA_Esquire

......yes.

M_FactorX19

well he did say he wanted to save weight and those brakes are as light as brakes that cost 300+ so yeah i think thats a pretty good value.

Cdy291

Don't go back with Tekro's. If you are swaping out at least upgrade to something better made while you are at it.

2ndGen

+1.

I just got them. Instantly switched the black SwissStops with green GHP2 SwissStop pads and WOW.
Unbelievable upgrade over my OEM Tektro R310's.
Planet X is no longer selling the CNC Machined calipers,
but are selling the forged ones for less than the $135. they were selling the CNC set.
I got one of last (if not "the" last) Ultralight CNC sets they sold.
Planet-X USA might have CNC brakesets left, but not for your budget.

Here's a link for their $85. forged set at a nice 235g:
https://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/...brake-calipers

My CNC's:

canam73

What is your drivetrain? If you have sram i'd get the rival posted above or find the equivelent in shimano. Both make decent forged calipers.

Propofol

Does Shimano make calipers in black? I think that's what he was primarily looking for.

EDIT: oh yes, they do...105s come in black. They're probably going to be more than $75, though.

2ndGen

They could be found for around the OP's budget:

https://www.vendio.com/stores/michell...oduct%20Search

OP, there are also EXCELLENT Ultegra SL brakesets that while not black,
are a very stealthy dark gray that you can order from the U.K. for about $80.:

ancker

Yeah. I've got a set of 105/5700's in my Amazon cart right now. $124.76 with Prime.
A bit more than I wanted to spend, but I guess I'll have a full 105/5700 group....
According to biketiresdirect they are 356g/pair. So likely not any lighter than my Tektro but as I said above, not that big of a deal.
At almost 4lbs lighter than my other bike, the TCR Composite still feels like a feather in comparison.

2ndGen

Did you buy them yet? Evan's Cycles has them for $99.

If you could've spent another $25. more and been able to live with silver,
you could get brand new Dura-Ace 7800 brakes.

BTW...Ribble has the 105's for $68. https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/roa...AR560000000000 ($76.83 w/shipping)

ravenmore

Another vote for the Planet X's - great brakes.

Campag4life

Lots of consideration with brakes. I like dual pivot...some like dual front single pivot rear. Weight matters some.
Don't forget getting a brake release. I ride Campy and their calipers don't have one because the release it built into the levers.
Campy's 2011 Centaur calipers are a good value...but no release for Shimano or Sram levers.

rat fink

For the price you stated, you could get: 105, Rival, or Apex in black, or used Ultegra 6600. All of which, I prefer to Tektro anything.

WestCoastDan

Not that my experience here amounts to much, but the Tektro brakes on my CAAD9-6 seem very similar in quality to any others that are comparable in cost. I was also a big fan of the reverse TT brake levers from Tektro on my prevous bike.
That said, I cannot offer great words about their customer service.
+++

lechat

can't do much better than these for the price. unless you get lucky on Ebay.

https://www.treefortbikes.com/product...ear-Brake.html

Homebrew01

I got those for $45 or something ... seemed like a darn good deal.

ravenmore

The Planet X's are single pivot but the cam design gives them more power than normal single pivot brakes. Honestly they feel straight up like my Ultegras. Performance is very good considering the cost and weight.

AngryScientist 

i agree with this. i've got them too and they work great.

ancker

For those interested, I ended up going with the 105's in black.
The Planet X looked nice and I spent some time looking at them. In the end I decided to fill out the 105 group.
Maybe in a few years I'll go full weight weenie and start replacing everything.

2ndGen

Good. Nice to have as "complete" a groupset as possible. Enjoy them.

Campag4life

Great price. I have some on order to replace my Chorus aluminum color skeleton brakes as I am moving to an all black theme on my bike as well. Have you ridden the 2011 Centaur brakes much yet?
I was wondering how the increased braking power of dual pivot in back is? I notice that Campy offers both single and dual pivot in back to satisfy rear braking preference in their Record line. For those interested, the reason that some prefer single pivot in back is because in panic braking weight shifts dramatically forward which tends to make the rear wheel lock up and lose control.
Cheers.

Homebrew01

I haven't built up the bike yet. I have 4 year old record w/ single pivot on the back, which works fine for me. And several year old Centaur on another bike that's also good. Double seems overkill.