For the most part, when a road bike is upgraded from the previous 27″ wheel standard to modern 700c wheels, the stock caliper brakes simply don’t reach.  That’s why we offer these quality long-reach calipers and cantilever brake options:

And thankfully, Sheldon Brown’s website provides simple instructions on how to calculate brake reach.

Tektro

Tektro R538 Long Reach Dual Pivot Calipers

What use to be called “regular” reach is now “long” reach. These are the brakes for frameset calling for 57mm reach … say a new Soma Stanyan,

• Long 47-57 mm reach
• Sold as a front & rear pair
• Polished aluminum finish
• Aluminum barrel adjusters with rubber O-rings
• Cam-style quick release for easy wheel installation on bigger tires.
• Recessed mount or traditional nutted
• Weight: 316 grams per pair

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $65 per pair (with free shipping in the U.S.)
Contact us if you need individual front or rear brakes.

Tektro R556 Extra Long Reach Dual Pivot Calipers

When you need some serious reach, a clean look, and a polished finish, then these are the brakes you’re after.

• Extra long 55-73 mm reach
• Sold as a front & rear pair
• Polished aluminum finish
• Aluminum barrel adjusters with rubber O-rings
• Cam-style quick release for easy wheel installation.
• Recessed mount or traditional nutted
• Weight: 350 grams per pair
• Photo courtesy of Harris Cyclery

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $75 per pair (with free shipping in the U.S.)
Contact us if you need individual front or rear brakes.

Cane Creek

Cane Creek SCR-3L Long Reach Caliper Brakes

These long reach dual pivot brakes provide all the stopping power you need.

• Cold forged aluminum with stainless steel hardware
• Reach length: 47mm to 57mm
• Enables clearance for fenders
• Centering adjustment bolt
• Weight: 320 grams per pair
• Brake pads included
• Black finish only

A classic side-pull design that works every time.  The centering adjustment bolt makes for easy installation and maintenance.

In fact, you can see these brakes in action on our Colnago Superissimo →

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $45 apiece or $80 per pair (plus $5 for shipping in the U.S.)

Cantilever style brakes can also have upgrade issues as well. But in most cases, losing the old stopping gear can increase your tire and fender clearance (and your life expectancy.)

Cane Creek SRX5 Cantilever Brakes

Ideal for your retro mountain bike, vintage cross bike, or touring rig, the Cane Creek SRX5 cantis are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain.

• Cold-forged 6061 aluminum alloy arms
• Stainless steel hardware
• Replaceable cartridge pads
• Width of 20.5mm to 36.5mm
• Weight: 320 grams per pair

A linear return spring design provides smooth response over the full braking range, and a micro tension adjusters allow brake tension fine tuning.

Renaissance Bicycles Price: $35 apiece or $65 for a set (plus $5 for shipping in the U.S.)

Not what you are after? We have more options, just contact us.