Can You Upgrade Your BR-6700 Brakes? Compatibility and Best Practices

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The Shimano BR-6700 [paid link] caliper brakes, part of the Ultegra 6700 series, were a go-to solution for road cyclists seeking reliable rim-brake performance and streamlined aesthetics. Although the BR-6700 [paid link] is no longer Shimano’s latest offering, many riders still use or consider this model due to its dependable function and value. If you’re wondering whether you can upgrade your BR-6700 [paid link] brakes—or if it’s even worth it—this detailed guide outlines everything you need to know.

Understanding the Shimano BR-6700 Brake System

Before attempting any upgrade, it’s essential to understand the architecture and specifications of the BR-6700:

  • Dual-pivot caliper design for enhanced braking power and modulation.
  • Compatible with up to 28mm tire clearance (depending on frame).
  • Intended for use with Shimano’s Super SLR-EV cable pull ratio.
  • Originally paired with Shimano ST-6700 [paid link] levers for optimal mechanical advantage.

This system was engineered for integration across the Ultegra 6700 groupset. Deviating from this ecosystem requires attention to compatibility.

Can the BR-6700 Be Upgraded or Enhanced?

Yes, the BR-6700 can be upgraded—but not all upgrade paths make sense or offer noticeable performance improvements. Upgrading can take several forms:

1. Brake Pads: Immediate Performance Gains

Replacing the stock pads with modern compound brake pads is one of the most noticeable and affordable upgrades. Modern pads, such as those from Shimano’s R55C4 series, offer:

  • Better wet weather performance.
  • Less rim wear.
  • More linear braking feel.

Carbon wheel users should switch to carbon-specific pads to prevent overheating and rim damage.

2. Brake Cables and Housing

Upgrading to low-friction cables and high-quality compressionless housing can greatly improve lever feel. Consider:

  • Teflon-coated inner cables.
  • Kevlar-reinforced or polymer-lubricated outer housing.
  • Shortened cable runs with minimal bends.

This small investment often results in crisper, more consistent braking.

3. Brake Levers

BR-6700 calipers perform best when paired with Super SLR-EV compatible levers. If you’re considering switching levers:

  • Shimano 105 (5700), Ultegra (6700), and Dura-Ace (7900) levers are all compatible.
  • Newer levers (e.g., R7000 or R8000 series) have a different cable pull ratio that may compromise modulation or power with BR-6700 calipers.

Switching to mismatched levers may require trial and error and can reduce braking efficiency.

4. Tires and Rims

Your brake’s effectiveness heavily depends on rim surface and tire width:

  • Ensure your rims are machined for rim braking (not disc-specific).
  • Wider tires can reduce caliper clearance and affect brake pad alignment.
  • Use rims with a consistent brake track for smoother modulation.

Although not directly part of the caliper, these upgrades optimize brake engagement and feel.

Compatibility Considerations

When upgrading BR-6700 components, you must ensure cross-compatibility within the system:

  • Cable pull ratio: Stick with Super SLR or SLR-EV levers for ideal feel.
  • Brake pad holders: BR-6700 uses Shimano-standard pads, easily swappable.
  • Mount type: BR-6700 uses standard center-mount bolts. It is incompatible with direct-mount frames.
  • Frame clearance: Max tire width is typically limited to 25-28mm; pushing beyond this can cause caliper interference.

Using non-matching parts might require adapters, tuning, or may reduce performance.

Best Practices for Upgrading BR-6700 Brakes

To get the most out of any BR-6700 upgrade:

  • Assess frame limitations: Some frames won’t accommodate larger calipers or different mounting styles.
  • Upgrade incrementally: Start with pads and cables before considering lever or wheel changes.
  • Match front and rear calipers: For balanced braking, always upgrade both ends in tandem.
  • Perform a full recalibration: After upgrades, adjust pad toe-in, center alignment, and cable tension.

Upgrading without proper re-tuning can lead to squealing, weak braking, or uneven pad wear.

Is It Worth Upgrading the BR-6700, or Replacing It Entirely?

If your BR-6700 brakes are in good shape and properly adjusted, modest upgrades like better pads and cables can bring them close to modern standards. However, if your setup feels consistently underwhelming despite tuning, consider moving to a newer model like Shimano Ultegra R8000 for:

  • Improved modulation.
  • Better compatibility with wide tires and modern wheels.
  • Integrated aesthetic and weight savings.

Still, for classic builds or cost-conscious riders, the BR-6700 with minor upgrades can hold its own.

Conclusion

You can upgrade the Shimano BR-6700 brakes effectively by focusing on pad material, cable quality, and ensuring compatibility with levers and frames. These upgrades can bring fresh life to an already capable braking system. Just be mindful of the mechanical interfaces—especially cable pull ratios and mounting types—when mixing components.