BR-R451 vs BR-R650
04-24-23, 04:18 PM
#1
Edo
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BR-R451 vs BR-R650
Hello,
Does anybody know the difference between the Shimano brake caliper BR-R451 and BR-R650? I want to replace my current rear caliper Shimano 105 as I need a long reach one that has at least the same performance as that. So I came across those two types but apart from the finish I can see any noticeable difference between the two. Also, the BR-R451 is still produced while the 650 isn’t.
Could somebody help me shed some light on that?
Thanks!
Does anybody know the difference between the Shimano brake caliper BR-R451 and BR-R650? I want to replace my current rear caliper Shimano 105 as I need a long reach one that has at least the same performance as that. So I came across those two types but apart from the finish I can see any noticeable difference between the two. Also, the BR-R451 is still produced while the 650 isn’t.
Could somebody help me shed some light on that?
Thanks!
04-24-23, 05:38 PM
#2
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I think Grant P. at Rivendell says the 451s work just as well.
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04-24-23, 06:23 PM
#3
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I doubt there is much if any difference in performance, but I don't know that for sure.
You might also check out Tektro R539 brakes. They have the same reach (maybe even a hair more) and I can tell you from personal experience they work well. Best yet, they are not hard to find (on eBay or Amazon) in either allen or traditional nutted versions.
You might also check out Tektro R539 brakes. They have the same reach (maybe even a hair more) and I can tell you from personal experience they work well. Best yet, they are not hard to find (on eBay or Amazon) in either allen or traditional nutted versions.
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04-24-23, 06:31 PM
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It looks like the BR-R650 came with cartridge type brake pads, while the BR-451 comes with fully disposable pads. This will make your first pad replacement a little more expensive, but there's not really a functional difference.
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04-24-23, 06:53 PM
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Based on the model number the 451 is probably targeted as "Tiagra" level, while the 650 is "Ultegra". Performance-wise that differentiation probably means little if any.
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04-24-23, 11:37 PM
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I agree with the earlier statements. The arms are the same, just a different level of finish. The pads/pad holders are the real functional difference. If you can deal with black, the painted black finish is (IMHO) nicer than the matte silver finish on the 451's.
02-02-24, 12:24 AM
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Sorry to be late to the party on this, but the R650 calipers are much more expensive. They have thrust bearings instead of the basic washers that the R451 calipers have. Thrust bearing handle axial load. From an engineering viewpoint, the R650s are a much better solution. Are they overkill? Maybe, but everyone on this message board owns or lusts after bike kit that is complete overkill.
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