Ultegra road bike brakes - much difference between 6800 and R8000 calipers?

[Ross]

Is it worth upgrading to the newer R8000 brakes over the earlier 6800 ones? Are the R8000 compatible with 6870 Di2 brifters?

[Duck!]

Depends on your tyre size. R8000 are scalloped out to better fit around 28mm tyres, where older calipers can have clearance problems. R8000 are claimed to be slightly more powerful due to having an extra bridge plate to tie the piviots together to reduce caliper flex.

6800 & R8000 bits, including Di2 are fully interchangeable.

[Ross]

Thanks Duck, only running 23-25mm tyres. Doesn't sound like the newer R8000 brakes are worth the upgrade, I'll stick with the 6800 ones for now.

[hamishm]

I upgraded my 6700 to R8000 mostly to clear my 28mm tyres, which they do. I don't think I really notice a difference in the braking though (the improvement was probably in the new cables I installed at the same time).