Shimano Ultegra BR-6600

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Tour of West Shelby

Bike Setup:
'07 Schwinn Fastback Elite, 105 shifters/brake levers, Kore Gradient 2 wheelset

Summary:
I was advised to purchase these for their stopping power, and I did so hesitantly, having not tested them on any bike. My LBS owner was spot on. The Ultegra brakes totally stop the bike with ease, and I am a big guy. They feel good in the levers, and I don't feel like I am using every bit of hand strength in order to get them to do their job. If I had to buy them, I might even consider paying full price somewhere.

Strengths:
Excellent stopping power even for a hefty dude, good feel through 105 levers, light weight

Weaknesses:
Hefty retail price tag makes it tough to support the LBS

Price Paid:  $150.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
warm and sunny

Bike Setup:
omega matrix, ultegra groupset, crappy alex wheels, thomson masterpiece seatpost, modolo kx bars

Summary:
I have been using these for about a month after purchasing them new on ebay, and I think they are fantastic. I have previously only used the sora brakes, and they are completely awful. I don't know what dura-ace or record/chorus brakes are like but these things work incredibly well. I put in kool-stop dry pads because the consensus seems to be that shimano pads suck, so this review is for these brakes with kool-stop pads.

Strengths:
They provide great breaking. You can shed alot of speed fast when you need to, but with really good, linear modulation, you're not in danger of them grabbing the rim suddenly (unless you slam on the brakes suddenly of course). I feel alot more in control of my bike with these. They have a quick release built in, unlike campy brakes which force you to use their shifters, so you could use these brakes on any setup.
If you buy on ebay - CHEAP!

Weaknesses:
In terms of functioning, none whatsoever. There are lighter calipers out there, but I think there are much more cost effective ways to shave off some grams, and safer ways too. Brakes are serious things, your life if in their hands, you don't want to mess with them by makign them too lightweight and fragile.

Similar Products Used:
sora

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Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
2004 Lemond Zurich/2005 Specialized s-works E5

Summary:
I have a 2004 Ultegra 9 bike and a 2005 Ultergra 10 bike. The 10 brakes are stronger and easier to modulate. The 10 levers are easier to reach from the drops. The 10 hoods are more comfortable. The improvements are not subtle, princess and the tea differences, but are obvious right away.