I’ve been wearing my brake pads down more rapidly than I expected on my S3. Maybe I’m a bit scaredy-cat going downhill? (I’m not); maybe there’s been a lot of wet and fine grit? (maybe…); or just maybe it’s a soft compound? The pads are also not quite aligned properly and are a bit too high and are about to rub onto the tyre under braking.
So the next step is obvious. Yep; change the entire set of brakes 🙂
Actually doing that is just about as easy as changing brake pads but that’s another story. I had another set of Shimano Ultegra callipers destined for another bike when my inner-aesthete noticed that the other pair were actually a much better colour match to the S3. So that was the main reason for changing them.
Yet on closer inspection, I noticed that the two pairs were notably different in construction as well as looks. There are no prizes for spotting the differences but the neat detail that I liked is shown in the photo above, where the release mechanism revolves all the way around and into place (well, I liked it!). The larger springing mechanism, below, is also not coiled on the newer set.
- Old set: BR-6700
- Darker, newer set: BR-R8000 (pads are R55C4)
There IS a difference between the front and rear. The difference is the length of the mounting stud to the frame (rear) or fork (front). the rear one is shorter…did I put them on right…I can’t remember.
Eagle Eyed Readers: I still haven’t put the GP4000S II on the rear wheel. I know. Iknow. They are on the front though, honest.
OK. OK. I got it. I’ll get back to my electronic gadgets and get a review up this week. Maybe.
Lot of maybes in this one.
Last Updated on 30 August 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
