Miche Performance brake callipers

Miche enjoy a just reputation for high quality track produce and while their dual pivot Performance brakeset is competing at the lower end of the market, there’s nothing bargain basement about their build quality or performance. Sure you wouldn’t pop them on a Stork or Cervelo but with upgraded pads they’re great budget stoppers-especially for club mounts and/or road fixers.

Available in a choice of either anodised silver or black, forged 57mm drop with 16mm of adjustability (between 41 and 57mm) provides ample room for mudguards without leaving undressed, minimalist mounts looking gappy. This also makes them a sensible choice for older bikes built for 27inch but running 700c hoops-although some may demand judicious filing of seat-stay and fork crown drillings.

Chrome plated fixings are quaint in this age of composite materials but they’re perfectly functional and periodic wiping with an oily rag will prevent tarnish - especially on winter bikes - while a reassuringly smooth quick release tames small buckles on the fly. The rich gloss anodising on our test pair looked classy and seemingly very durable, complimenting my road-path bike’s pale blue/black livery. However, time is always kinder to silver finishes.

Married to mid range levers via decent quality cables, braking has proved impressive with excellent modulation and feel-even swooping into long, wet and winding descents and on a powder coated rim. The original pads have relatively soft compounds but are a touch generic and won’t quite stop on the proverbial sixpence. By the same token, unless you hovered around 90 kilos and lived in a hilly area I wouldn’t rush to upgrade them.

Minor niggles aside, giving change from £20 they are excellent value for money and a particularly good choice for cost conscious audax and winter bike builds.

Verdict

Competent brakeset for when price is a priority