BR 6600 vs BR 6500

rparedes said:

Anybody know what the difference is between Ultegra 6600 vs 6500 brakesets?

Beyond the cosmetic differences (e.g., different barrel adjusters & shape of the brake arm's arch to name two obvious changes) ...

The 6600 calipers are undoubtely incrementally lighter-yet-stiffer (NOT enough for either you or me to notice) AND the pad compound was, as I recall, changed (at least for the DA calipers; so, probably for the Ultegra calipers, too).

The 6700 group should be announced/available next Spring (2009).

alfeng said:

Beyond the cosmetic differences (e.g., different barrel adjusters & shape of the brake arm's arch to name two obvious changes) ...

The 6600 calipers are undoubtely incrementally lighter-yet-stiffer (NOT enough for either you or me to notice) AND the pad compound was, as I recall, changed (at least for the DA calipers; so, probably for the Ultegra calipers, too).

The 6700 group should be announced/available next Spring (2009).

I appreciate your disclaimer (NOT enough for either you or me to notice), but why do you say "undoubtedly"? My opinon would be that it's possible, but not likely rather than undoubtedly.

Camilo said:

I appreciate your disclaimer (NOT enough for either you or me to notice), but why do you say "undoubtedly"? My opinon would be that it's possible, but not likely, rather than undoubtedly.

YES, "possible" is a much better word (i.e., possibly vs. undoubtedly) ...

Without "checking" the weights, I presumed that the boys-in-Osaka would again reduce the weight of the 6600 calipers the way the 6500 calipers were lighter than the 6400/6403 calipers.

While a pair of 6600 calipers supposedly weigh 4.5g (!?!) less than a pair of 6500 calipers (according to Shimano's specs), the measured difference is less according to the "Weight Weenies" site which indicates a 1g per pair difference, at best, which may possibly be attributed to the particular samples and/or the recessed nut(s) supplied with the calipers (if they are included when weighed).

Who knows? Maybe it's those porky barrel adjusters on the 6600 calipers which keeps the weight difference from being so small (kidding!).

alfeng said:

YES, "possible" is a much better word (i.e., possibly vs. undoubtedly) ...

Without "checking" the weights, I presumed that the boys-in-Osaka would again reduce the weight of the 6600 calipers the way the 6500 calipers were lighter than the 6400/6403 calipers.

While a pair of 6600 calipers supposedly weigh 4.5g (!?!) less than a pair of 6500 calipers (according to Shimano's specs), the measured difference is less according to the "Weight Weenies" site which indicates a 1g per pair difference, at best, which may possibly be attributed to the particular samples and/or the recessed nut(s) supplied with the calipers (if they are included when weighed).

Who knows? Maybe it's those porky barrel adjusters on the 6600 calipers which keeps the weight difference from being so small (kidding!).

I love weight weenies. I'm not a total weight weenie (17-18 lb bike), but when give a choice for a more or less equally functional product at a given price point, I do appreciate accurate info on actual weights. You can find a 110 gram stem or a 150 gram stem for the same price, both from quality manufacturers who list similar weights. I've even submitted a couple of weights to ww myself lately. I've recently replaced several components on my bike because I actually needed them due to fit and worn out reasons - wheels, tires, bars, stem, pedals, and soon, saddle. For essentially the same price as other parts, or very little extra, I have shaved over 2 lbs off the bike. Items I bought that were listed on ww actually weighed very, very close to what was listed. Will I feel it? I don't delude myself. On the other hand, it had little cost compared to heavier alternatives and it's kind of fun playing the game.

My weight weenie-ism tends to have a more or less 30g (i.e. 1 ounce) increment. 5-20 gram type differences just don't appear on my radar screen, I consider them equivalent. I will spend 5 bucks to save an ounce, why not, it's a cheap thrill. But I would never admit it to someone face to face!🙂