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I'm new to road bikes, but have been building mountain bikes for many years. I purchased a cheap road bike (at BSO price level) which I am upgrading for fun.

I'd like to upgrade the brakes to something quality, as the brakes it came with barely slow me down. It has some side pull, single pivot generic brakes on it, and I'm wondering if I can upgrade to side pull dual pivot name brand brakes (Shimano 105/Ultegra or similar) without any other changes.

Shimano 105 Brake

Basically; are there things to check for that would make some side-pull cantilever road brakes non-compatible with any others?

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  • I am noticing a new mounting option, 'direct mount', which is not compatible and not mentioned.
    – Ehryk
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 16:51

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Well, 105/Ultegra are pretty high to put on a BSO or BSO priced thing (and the brakes will cost more than the BSO). I'd probably go with 20 dollar Tektros.

Generally, they are all short-pull brakes so you should be fine with all of them. Shimano has some New Super SLR cable pull, which you can pair with standard short pull brake levers, but Shimano wants you to buy new levers.

Also, note that the lever quality may also be low so you may just want to get new levers anyway.

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  • As a project, I'm going to replace things until it makes the transition into getting it's own slow motion entrance like a bad teen movie. It was $180 on craigslist: Victory Vision Road Bike and I've handbuilt new wheels for it with Attack/Force tires, upgraded to RaceFace Cadence external BB crankset, and a carbon seatpost and computer. Next up is brakes, and then perhaps a threadless headset with carbon forks and integrated stem/handlebars. "Not Another Teen BSO!"
    – Ehryk
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 4:26
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    Anyway to clarify: all sidepull cantilever brakes will work on all "short pull" levers? There's no exceptions or mounting variations or other catches?
    – Ehryk
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 4:30
  • Side pull calipers. And yes. Seems like a silly idea, but its your money.
    – Batman
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 13:03
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    Direct mount side pull calipers are not compatible with center mount side pull calipers.
    – Ehryk
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 16:52
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You should see this page about installing and adjusting caliper brakes. As others mentioned, look out for the reach. Also, pay attention to whether you need recessed or traditional nutted mounts.

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  • I bought a new Shimano 105 brakeset ($77 shipped) that comes with a recessed mount. Will I be able to mount that on my 'nutted' mounts?
    – Ehryk
    Commented Mar 31, 2015 at 22:19
  • The page I linked to shows some options but I think they all require drilling. It might be advisable to return them if that's not a really expensive option. Perhaps post another question to see what kind of response others can give you.
    – Kibbee
    Commented Apr 1, 2015 at 12:31

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