So what is the deal with the cervelo brakes that come standard on the P3? Are they any good or should I swap them out with Dura-ace?
Why throw $160 bucks at brakes if they do what they’re supposed to do? I’ve had them on my P3 for 3 years now. They stop me just fine.
Mine are being replaced this week.
Same ones on a P2K. As jaylew says - they work fine. IMO, Dura-Ace STI shifters or rear derailleur are an upgrade but anything else is mostly a fashion statement.
I really don’t know anything about the cervelo brakes, that is why I’m asking. So if they work well and are not made out of lead or act like a parachute, then I don’t need to change them. More or less wondering why cervelo would spec the new bike with DA10 except the brakes.
I don’t think they stand up as well as Shimano Dura Ace or even Ultegra. If I could get a new P3, I’d swap them out from Ultegra ones. Just my thought.
Adam
They work fine. I’ve had mine for 2+ years and have never had an issue - E
might be worth it to swap out the pads. as noted, the cervelo brakes work fine - its a tt bike not for technical descents. that said, if you really love bikes, you may find yourself looking at that beautiful frame and beautiful componentry (especially after you put on new hed bars, disc wheel, H3 front, SRM, aspide saddle, carbon seatpost, etc.) and thinking - “those cervelo brakes are a real eye sore. i really think this bike deserves a new set of shiny brakes. plus, (you might try to convince yourself and/or significant other), the weight and aero savings would shave at least 2-3 minutes off my 40k TT.” Then, if you have the $$, I say treat yourself to new calipers. DA04 look nice, but check out cane creek single pivot for extra weight saving. Like extra braking power, the few grams difference is completely unnecessary, but…
So what is the deal with the cervelo brakes that come standard on the P3? Are they any good or should I swap them out with Dura-ace?
They’re generic-made brakes put on quite a few bikes under various brand names (Cannodale/CODA, X-lab, Cervelo, etc…). I had a pair on my tri bike with “Cane Creek” printed on them. Decently made; not dangerous, but not up to what I want on my bike.
I took the front one off and put on a spare Ultegra caliper I had. It brakes much, much more powerfully with the smooth modulation you’d expect from Ultegra brakes (which are superior to Dura Ace, if you ask me). Rear brakes are pointless anyway, so I didn’t bother replacing that one (and, I only had one Ultegra caliper).
So – no, don’t swap them out with Dura Ace. Go on Ebay and get a pair of used Ultegras for cheap. They’re as good as it gets.