Tiagra 4500 shifters with 4600/5700/6700 calipers

[payam]

Hi All,
I keep getting different answers from different people at the local bike shops on this one.

I have Tiagra 4500 shifters and wanted to upgrade the tektro brake calipers which came stock on the bike. It seems that shimano has changed the leverage ratio for the new 4600/5700/6700 calipers and shifters, and they are no longer compatible with the older shifters. The compatibility chart says they are not compatible, but I can't understand why not - it's a cable pulling a caliper closed!

Has anyone had experience with this? Will 5700/6700 calipers work with a 4500 shifter?

[usernameforme]

The Cable pull ratio is different, meaning the caliper will close at a different rate than what it is designed to. It'll stop you, but I won't be suprised if the braking is a little weaker. Why are you changing your brakes? I would suggest a change in brake pad before a change in brake

[Nobody]

I have some 4500 Tiagra brakes and the standard pads aren't very good. Like above, pad change will make the most difference. Get some reasonable cartridge pads.

If you really want to see a big change in braking performance, convert the front to disc brake.

[payam]

Thanks - I have decided to go with the pads first. Will see how this goes before upgrading anything!