If your goal is better performance, a lot of people have switched to Koolstop Salmon color pads and raved about them. I personally have liked every set of brakes I have used, so I have not bothered to try different pads, but if I wanted to boost performance the first thing I would try is changing pads to the Koolstop Salmon.
Originally Posted by
bikemig
Not on your list but tektro cr720s are excellent and the pair runs half your proposed budget.
I also like these.
Originally Posted by
SvenSurly
Thanks for that. I neglected to mention, I'm trying to stay away from horizontal-profile brakes, as they tend to dig into my calves when I stand in the saddle.
I do not understand how they dig into calves. But, I do not stand on the pedals. Some people have had problems with a front pannier being in the wrong place with this configuration of brakes.