TT/Tri Bike Brake Caliper vs Road Bike Brake Caliper

For the most part, there's no difference in the brake calipers. I say for the most, because there are some bikes that use integrated brakes and those are obviously proprietary designs.

Best brakes would be something like Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra. Great stopping power and great modulation and not overly expensive. If you want to save a bit of money, look for a used pair of Shimano Dura-Ace 7800.

Brakes are swappable between the frame styles. The long nut to secure them to the frame IS specific to that bike and can't be swapped easily.

A lot of brake perfromance depends on the brake pad more than the hardware. I like the Kool-Stop salmon pads for wet conditions, but use them everyday. They wear quickly, but they work superbly.

Edited by pitt83 2013-04-11 7:00 AM

I just put the Kool-Stop Triple Compound pads on my TT bike for my HIM, and I gotta say, I love 'em.  Stopping and slowing was smooooth.