BR5700 (105) v BR6700 (ultegra) caliper brakes

[V17L]

G'day
Looking at replacing the tektro brakes on my defy with shimano caliper brakes. The sti shifters are 5700 10 speed, as the bike is a 2014 defy 1.

Just wondering what the difference is between the 105 and ultegra brakes are.

I know the talk about the weight, but are there more subtle changes ie bearings used in the pivot points or or maybe metal used? any mechanical advantage with either? Is the cable entry point the same diameter?

For that matter, what is the difference to between the 5800 and 6800 series brakes, and are they compatible with my 5700 sti shifters. (I suspect there is no difference, as I think the 5800/6800 is more about 11 speed v 10 speed shifters and cranks)

cheers
steve

[cyclotaur]

Pretty sure there IS a diff btw #700 and #800 due to cable pull ratios, but that might only apply to gearing..... paging Duck!

I'd stick to 5700 stuff for consistency.


Sent from my iPhinger ...

[Duck!]

The big change in brake leverage was from 78/66/5600 to 79/67/5700. I'm pretty sure there's little to split the latest 9000/6800/5800 generation on that front, so they're compatible with previous-generation levers.

However, the latest series has much better left-right arm leverage, boosting both outright brake power and modulation considerably. As for differences between groupset levels, I think they're slightly different grades of alloy, combined with different caliper shapes to cut weight & improve stiffness (supposedly) as you go up the ranks. The differences are only subtle.

[MattyK]

I put some 6800 calipers on my wife's bike with 6700 levers. Works brilliantly, way better than the original TRPs.

If I were you I'd go for the 5800 brakes.

[Homo Suburbiensis]

Duck!, any reason why shimano say 5800 brakes are only compatible with 5800 6800 and 9000 levers? Purely marketing? getting us to buy more stuff?

[MattyK]

Slight cable pull difference but not enough to be a problem

[V17L]

Hi Guys
Thanks for the info, always informative.

The difference from 5700 105 to 5800 105 is about $5, 5800 105 to 6700 ultegra is about $6, and 6700 ultegra to 6800 ultegra is about $17. All prices are rough and per caliper.

I think I'll head down the 5800 105 route.
Once again, thanks for the info.
cheers
steve

[Dave R32]

Personally I would go with 6700 series brakes. They are very good and the difference in the jump up to 6800 series would possibly be counteracted by the different pull ratio of your 5700 series levers.

I ran 5700 levers with 6700 calipers with no issues at all. In the end I also upgraded the levers when they come on special for $180.00 inc cables.

Cheers
Dave.