In some cases, it makes more sense to use caliper brakes, as they are more suitable. For example, on the Dahon MuSP folding bike, a standard reach caliper brake comes stock on the bike. This is best paired to a road shifter, which is why the Dahon MuSP is a good choice for a road drop bar setup.
During the previous generation of road caliper brakes from Shimano, a cam roller mechanism was used to enhance the braking performance of the brakes. This can be seen on the Dura-Ace 9000, Ultegra 6800 and 105 5800 caliper brakes.
This time, the new Ultegra R8000 brakes were used on the Dahon MuSP. Although it looks quite similar to the previous Ultegra 6800 brakes, there are some subtle but important differences. Let's compare and see what the differences are!
Nomenclature:
6800 = Ultegra 6800 caliper brakes (previous generation)
R8000 = Ultegra R8000 caliper brakes (latest generation)
6800 has silver coloured pivots, and the quick release lever points downwards when closed.
R8000 has a redesigned quick release lever, which tucks in neatly with the brake arm when closed. The pivots are also black in colour for a more stealthy look.
6800 has one bolt and one nut on the two pivots, both of which are silver in colour.
R8000 uses a slightly different construction, and has two nuts on the two pivots. Also black in colour like the bolts at the front of the brake.
6800 has a casted aluminium piece in the middle, which is part of the cam roller mechanism. The adjustment bolt (seen at top) means that a joint is visible.
For R8000, the cam roller mechanism has been redesigned to be a stamped steel part (black piece in the middle), which has a similar cam roller mechanism. The adjustment bolt has been moved to the side, which means that the top arm can be one single piece.
6800 has a spring tension adjustment bolt (small bolt just above the spring), which is not really necessary.
R8000 does not have a spring tension adjustment bolt, but it is OK as it is not important.
R8000 has an additional steel stiffening plate that links the left and right pivots together. This reduces the flexing of the brake arms during hard braking, which improves the braking performance. Although it adds weight, I think it is worth it for the performance boost.
R8000 has the adjustment bolt located at the side, which allows the whole brake caliper to look more integrated with less gaps.
6800 weighs 341 grams as a pair. Not so lightweight, but it has good braking performance.
R8000 actually weighs more at 362 grams, due to the additional steel stiffening plate.
In summary, the differences between the new Ultegra R8000 brake calipers and the previous Ultegra 6800 brake calipers:
1) Improved braking performance
2) More integrated look with less visible joints in the construction
3) Heavier by about 20 grams
4) Slightly darker shade of grey
5) Black coloured pivots
That's about it, with all other aspects looking the same as the previous generation. As already mentioned, these are rather subtle differences that enhances the appearance and also the performance, but at the expense of a bit more weight.
Hi, thanks for the info. Do you know if R8600 shifters works with R6800 calipers?
ReplyDeleteI assume you are asking if R8000 shifters can be used with 6800 brake calipers. Yes they can be used.
DeleteThanks for the detailed pics. Seeing all the stamped steel inside my R8000 brakes had me wondering if I had a counterfeit brake. I guess if I want elegance I need to pony up for DuraAce
ReplyDeleteHi..thanks for the info, i want to ask..are OSPW ceramic speed for ultegra r8000 can use too for ultegra r6800..? Or different…
ReplyDeleteVery different, the construction for these derailleurs are completely different.
DeleteOk thanks..but ospw ceramic speed for ultegra r8000 can be used for Ultegra R8020 R8050 R8070
ReplyDeleteAnd can used too for duraace R9100 R9150 R9170…i think can be used too fot r6800..
Are all the same construction except r6800…?
Ultegra 6800 is from the previous generation, while all the models that you listed are from the newer generation (same as R8000).
DeleteNote that Ultegra mechanical RD is RD-R8000, while Di2 is R8050.
Dura-Ace mechanical is RD-9100, while Di2 is R9150.
R8020, R8070, R9120, R9170 refers to the hydraulic shifters, not the RD.
Just Google the pictures of RD-R6800 and compare it to RD-R8000, you will see that they are completely different.
I have spent a lot of time measuring these two brakes and There is NO major difference in clearances. if anything the 6800 opens wider by about 2.5mm at the pads, and the tire clearance is perhaps 0.75mm wider on the 8000. Shimano claims that the 8000 will accomodate 28mm rims and the 6800 also 28mm rims when using CARBON pads. given that the 6800 open up to 35mm with pad thickness (outside the shoe)of 6mm, it should be ok for ANY brake pad! on the BR8000 i did seem to get more angle upwards in the brake shoes so that with wider rims the pads are meeting the rim flusher but the design looks identical, so it might just be visual with the sleeker pads.all in all i don't think it is worth the upgrade
ReplyDeleteI would agree! the two pivot bolts are 1mm wider on the BR8000 and i have never had problems braking hard with 6800. The pads are thinner on the 8000 and so for 28mm rims both brakes work fine. with 6800 i did use a conti5000 28mm on 17c rims and they went to 28,5mm and there was enough clearance, so the optimal tyre is conti 5000/ 25mm with 21C rims. tell me do the 8000 actually pull ( brake hard) better? I bought the 8000 just in case but i shall probably return them.
DeleteThe R8000 has an extra stiffening plate, which makes the caliper more rigid and thus improves the braking feel and power.
DeleteHi...I bought a 28c tire for my 6800 calipers, and the clearance is maybe 1mm or thereabouts. I really have to tune the spokes down to near perfect so the tires won't graze the caliper. I'm wondering, will the BR-8000 accommodate my 28c tires with better clearance, although it seems obvious that the mounting bolt distances of both 6800 and 8000 are the same? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThere would not be any extra clearance. You can check if your actual tire width is 28 mm by measuring with a vernier caliper. On wider rims, actual tire size can become bigger than the claimed tire size.
Deletemy local seller is selling used but in good condition R8000 brakes, currently im using the 6800 one. is it good upgrades from 6800 to 8000 ubrake?
ReplyDeleteThe additional steel stiffening plate on the R8000 brakes are a noticeable improvement.
DeleteFirst and foremost, thanks for this comparison, your blog and the answers tylsteve. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteIn another level and looking that Shimano BR-6800 and BR-8000 clearance hasn't been improved, would you consider that the Shimano BR-6800 could handle a new 28mm width rim brake carbon wheelset ?
The gap between the pads when the caliper is without cable tension is a little over 34mm.
Thanks in advance.
Most likely it would not fit, because the area with tightest clearance is around the tires. A relatively wide rim such as what you have would make the tire even wider.
DeleteThanks for your comment.
DeleteHello, Thank you for sharing this article! is this safe to buy R8000 on eBay? Sellers claims "OEM packaging", "More than 10 available / 45 sold" and asking rice is under $100. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNo idea, I can't give advice to buying on eBay
Delete