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But different version STIs have different cable pull so that can't always be true.
https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/12651624/shimano-brake-caliper-compatibility
"the new 6700 levers pull more (brake) cable than the older Ultegra STI, hence if you use them with non-6700 calipers you'll get less power and a firm lever.
Conversely, if you use non-6700 STI with new 6700 calipers then you'll get plenty of power but a spongey lever.
It's all about leverage - you can either have short cable pull with plenty of force, or lots of cable pull with less force. The 6700 STI now pulls more cable, so needs the new calipers to match them.
[you can replace "6700" with "7900" in the above passage, as they are the same design]
It's like cantilevers and V-brakes. V brake levers pull much more cable than cantilever levers."
hippy-
Didn't know that. Although upon further investigation, I don't think the difference in cable pull of 6700 levers compared to other STIs is as different as cantis are to V-brakes:
I've used a variety of brake calipers with 6700 shifters; 6700, 7800, 6600, TRP, SRAM among others. While there is a difference in the brake actuation cable pull, my experience is that it is so small and is more than made up for when I switch out the standard brake pads for Kool Stop salmon pads. I've experienced no degradation of braking performance in any way when using the above combinations.
Tijs
Cantis have the same cable pull as STIs/road levers.