Unlike the Shimano BR650 and BR451, The TRP RG957s are compatible with "New Super SLR" (NSSLR) cable pull and brake mechanical ratio (see Shimano compatibility chart). In short, NSSLR cable pull is ~15-20% more than SSLR and the NSSLR calipers have an increased MA to match the new cable pull. The lower cable tension results in lower friction losses and therefore better braking. Pairing a NSSLR lever like a modern STI shifter with SLR mid reach brakes, such as the Shimano offering listed above, results in a rather wooden brake with low MA.

The position of the brake pads along the slot is another consideration. For these and many other mid-reach calipers, this range is 47mm to 57mm. SSLR calipers can work somewhat acceptably with NSSLR levers provided the brake blocks are set in the extreme top of the slots (47mm). Unfortunately for those of us who need mid-reach calipers, our brake pads are well past this point.

The TRP RG957 brakes have the right mechanical ratio for NSSLR levers. The downside is that they're not cheap. However, they're what you need for a NSSLR STI brake lever. Pair these with some proper brake pads and you'll have a great rim brake with tons of clearance.

Excellent brake. High quality build. Great stopping power, yet smooth. Highly recommend TRP RG957.

Recently built up an All-City Mr Pink steel frame. I originally installed the Tektro R539 brakes. They were awful. I installed some Swiss Stop pads, and they were only the smallest bit better. And I mean in so far as if I applied the brakes while standing still, I couldn't pick up the front wheel without the back wheel rolling. There was just no power. Coming down hills I could stop the bike, but it took a great deal of effort. So much so that I was worried if I had the brake cable clamps on well enough and if they'd pull out and I'd lose my brakes all together.

I can't comment on how well these compare to some of the other mid/long reach brakes out there. Some may be better, but it doesn't matter. After installing these brakes, even with the stock pads, I took the bike down a few increasingly steep hills, and every time I could stop the bike confidently, and with no excess force on the levers. The braking is strong and predictable. If you're torn between these and a cheaper set of brakes, definitely buy these (or any of the more expensive brake options). Because you can go fast with any groupset, any frame material, and any type of wheel. Your speed is mostly limited to your strength and fitness. But no matter how strong you are, you aren't going to be able to stop your bike if you have bad brakes. Get the best brakes you can. Going fast doesn't mean anything if you can't stop!

Replaced Tektro 521A that were stock on my bike. These have far less flex and much better stopping power (I also tried the Cane Creek SCR-3L, but should have researched more thoroughly because the Cane Creek SCR-3L's are just re-branded Tektro 521A's). There aren't a lot of choices in long-reach calipers, but these are great.

Great mid-long reach calipers! Amazing stopping power! Easy to install. Great looking.