Interloc B-57 brake review

I chose the Interloc B-57 brake for my Soma for a couple of reasons. For starters, they're less expensive than the Shimano long-reach brake. Also I've always like Interloc - they're a smaller company doing some really nice parts at some really nice prices. My old shop had a good relationship with them and they took one of my ideas and made it happen (a long drop cable hanger for cross bikes)

Still, this doesn't give them a free ride. When I pulled the brakes out of the box the first thing that struck me was the finish. The calipers are very nicely polished. Much nicer than the finish on the Shimano long reach brake. These brakes wouldn't look at all out of place on an otherwise all DuraAce or Record bike. Even the caliper quick release is a faux chrome plastic.

The only glitch I had with installation was with the fork crown fixing bolt. Between the thick crown on the carbon/alloy fork, the fender tab, and the light mount the stock bolt was a tad too short. Fortunately, I had a spare longer bolt in my parts bin. Ideally, they should spec a longer bolt since many people choose to run 57mm reach brakes so they can also mount fenders which often attach to the brake. Brake pads are of the cartridge variety ensuring a long life of easy maintenance. The cable adjuster is a two piece design. The actual screw is the part you turn to make adjustments while the washer with the rubber o-ring is used as a locknut to hold the adjustment. This two step approach is a little different than the method used by Shimano but it works great and even allows for finer adjustments.

Out on the road the brakes worked just as well as anything from Shimano. That's pretty high praise. Plenty of power and plenty of modulation. Really not much more to say.

With a retail price of $85-90/pair (about $20-30 less than the Shimano brakes) the Interloc B-57 should be your first choice in 57mm brakes.

(Photo courtesy http://www.interlocracing.com)