Best Canti Straddle Cable Carriers

[Lewis Moon]

Yeah, I'm picky. Too many of these things are over designed and hard to thread with big, basketball player hands. What's a really good canti straddle hanger/carrier? I like the Pauls but am just a skosh worried about the cable getting snagged and dumping off the carrier...leading to a face plant.

[ColonelJLloyd]

I probably have a new pair of silver Tektro yokes (https://www.amazon.com/Tektro-1246A-Yoke-Hanger-Brake/dp/B002G33ZWY) if you want to try those. Looks like a solid design to me, but I honestly don't ever remember using them. I liked the roller yokes.

[Lewis Moon]

I probably have a new pair of silver Tektro yokes (https://www.amazon.com/Tektro-1246A-Yoke-Hanger-Brake/dp/B002G33ZWY) if you want to try those. Looks like a solid design to me, but I honestly don't every using them. I liked the roller yokes.

Yeah, those look good. I can't use rollers because the Ritchey has an off center, minimalist rear cable routing.

[Mark McM]

This design is often overlooked because it isn't "boutique", but from an engineering stand point, it is one of the best designs:

http://www.jensonusa.com/images/Default-Image/Zoom/6/BR408Z34.jpg

This design is cheap - it only costs a few dollars.

This design is safe, because if the cable breaks the straddle wire won't fall onto the tire.

This design is effective, because the narrow carrier results in the least loss of brake leverage as it actuates.

This design is easy, because the fixed straddle length reduces the number of variables in cantilever setup/adjustments

[MikeD]

This design is often overlooked because it isn't "boutique", but from an engineering stand point, it is one of the best designs:



http://www.jensonusa.com/images/Default-Image/Zoom/6/BR408Z34.jpg



This design is cheap - it only costs a few dollars.



This design is safe, because if the cable breaks the straddle wire won't fall onto the tire.



This design is effective, because the narrow carrier results in the least loss of brake leverage as it actuates.



This design is easy, because the fixed straddle length reduces the number of variables in cantilever setup/adjustments



You're right. It's safe and simple, but lacks adjustablity/tunability. Falling onto the tire is only an issue with knobbies though.

I've moved on from cantis to the superior cable management and linear performance of V brakes though.

[Mark McM]

You're right. It's safe and simple, but lacks adjustablity/tunability. Falling onto the tire is only an issue with knobbies though.

You're right, each individual Z-link is not length adjustable, but they are available in a multitude of lengths from 60 mm to 110 mm, so there is bound to be one that's right for any given application.

I've moved on from cantis to the superior cable management and linear performance of V brakes though.

I agree, as long as the cable pull of the lever matches the brake, linear pull (aka "V brakes") are better than cantilevers in almost every way.

[oldpotatoe]

I probably have a new pair of silver Tektro yokes (https://www.amazon.com/Tektro-1246A-Yoke-Hanger-Brake/dp/B002G33ZWY) if you want to try those. Looks like a solid design to me, but I honestly don't ever remember using them. I liked the roller yokes.

Sold a bunch of those and they work really well. Also can secure the cable in the yoke with wee set screws to help with centering..nice stuff.

[AngryScientist]

i'm tempted to try a set of roller hangers velo orange is selling...

https://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/750x750/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/a/hanger_mounted_on_bike.jpg

[Brian Cdn]

Sold a bunch of those and they work really well. Also can secure the cable in the yoke with wee set screws to help with centering..nice stuff.

Any suggestions where I can find a two of those wee set screws ?

[Lewis Moon]

You're right, each individual Z-link is not length adjustable, but they are available in a multitude of lengths from 60 mm to 110 mm, so there is bound to be one that's right for any given application.



I agree, as long as the cable pull of the lever matches the brake, linear pull (aka "V brakes") are better than cantilevers in almost every way.

I'll use a V brake if I absolutely can't tame a front judder. Otherwise, I HATES 'EM. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/8e/44/c98e4411eadb4ff6993f2f4f73a6e44d--cool-pictures-pictures-images.jpg

They feel vague, spongy and all 'round sloppy.

[Hindmost]

Tektro/TRP has a "pro" version of the straddle carrier which takes one allan wrench to fasten. I run out of hands when adjusting cantis.

[jruhlen1980]

I'll use a V brake if I absolutely can't tame a front judder. Otherwise, I HATES 'EM. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/8e/44/c98e4411eadb4ff6993f2f4f73a6e44d--cool-pictures-pictures-images.jpg

They feel vague, spongy and all 'round sloppy.

Yeah I went from cantis to v-brakes back to cantis.

Cantis are a PITA to adjust, and I don't have the time/patience/skills to do it quickly. I'll get them adjusted eventually but it takes me forever. I'd rather ride my bike. (I will freely admit that I'm not the best mechanic and I've made peace with that fact.)

V-brakes have great stopping power (dang near went OTB on my first test ride after setting them up) but I had tire clearance issues and it seemed like every time I removed the wheel I would have to re-adjust. Entirely too finicky. Also, I never could get the front to stop squealing like Satan's mother on a rollercoaster. (Again, I'm not a great mechanic.)

Went back to cantis and have just made peace with the fact that I have to squeeze the levers much harder than with v-brakes -- but they do stop and I can swap wheels easily now.

[oldpotatoe]

Any suggestions where I can find a two of those wee set screws ?

Good hardware or contact Tektro/TRP.....excellent customer service.

[donevwil]

i'm tempted to try a set of roller hangers velo orange is selling...

https://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/750x750/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/a/hanger_mounted_on_bike.jpg

I put a set of the Compass (Rene Herse) ones on my bike with Racer Ms and they do keep the brakes on center better than typical hangers that don't use set screws to lock the straddle cable in place. They replaced Moon Units which were nothing special, i.e. no better than the standard sheetmetal ones that come with most brakes.

[ColonelJLloyd]

i'm tempted to try a set of roller hangers velo orange is selling...


I've used the VO branded ones (not the Dia Compe pictured) on several builds. As I said above, unless the canti or centerpull requires a specific hanger then they are my go-to.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/11921467335_a34534b2c4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/jasCUg)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/jasCUg) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/29740658872_6e9a1899af_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mj5DJy)004 (https://flic.kr/p/Mj5DJy) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

[ColonelJLloyd]

You're right, each individual Z-link is not length adjustable, but they are available in a multitude of lengths from 60 mm to 110 mm, so there is bound to be one that's right for any given application.


The straddle cable that came with late 80s SLR cantilevers was adjustable because one side was the brake cable itself. I've only set them up once, but the results were great.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7511959364_de87f38d58_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/crNKNL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/crNKNL) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7511938614_a503443c5f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/crNDD1)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/crNDD1) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

[JAGI410]

I've been wanting to try the Tomii magic beans. $35/pair isn't exactly cheap but they do look great! https://www.tomiicycles.com/-shop

[AngryScientist]

colonel, the amount of real estate you have available for such devices is astounding compared to what i'm working with! i've got very very little room for play generally between the cable carrier and the stop.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn6pRnj9GI4/WV5jubXhhfI/AAAAAAAAC14/mS-pGFgqRZgawu_aTG4rOvDB43JNIvCagCLcBGAs/s940/IMG_0947.JPG

[ColonelJLloyd]

colonel, the amount of real estate you have available for such devices is astounding compared to what i'm working with! i've got very very little room for play generally between the cable carrier and the stop.


I hear you. FWIW, looks to me like the bike pictured is a good application for those roller hangers. The VO ones are a little more difficult to install due to their design. The Gran Compe ones they sell now are a copy of the Dia Compe ones from the 80s. I haven't used them, but they look very solid from what I can tell.

They make for a very clean installation, but you have to mock up the brake and make sure you have your levers and cables in the right position then cut the cable. You can't really pull the cable through to adjust, pinch then cut the excess. You really need a third hand tool (I use an Irwin Quick Clamp - not sure why I've never just bought the actual third hand tool).

You could use a shorter housing stop hanger on the rear. What you have does not allow much room as you said. If the straddle angle is where it needs to be then it's not a big deal, but if it isn't optimal, well. .

I may have one of these (https://www.benscycle.com/nitto-as-1-rear-housing-stop/rear_cable_hanger_nitto__870-289/product)in the bin. PM this evening and I'll take a look. That last section of rear housing is an excellent spot for segmented aluminum housing like Jagwire Elite Link. The way it handles tight bends is markedly better; big difference. I may have enough in my spare box to make you a section for that.

[bicycletricycle]

i'm tempted to try a set of roller hangers velo orange is selling...

https://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/750x750/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/a/hanger_mounted_on_bike.jpg

these are not good IMHO, the brake cable is offset from the roller, when you apply a load they tilt forward.

[Mark McM]

The straddle cable that came with late 80s SLR cantilevers was adjustable because one side was the brake cable itself. I've only set them up once, but the results were great.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7511959364_de87f38d58_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/crNKNL)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/crNKNL) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7511938614_a503443c5f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/crNDD1)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/crNDD1) by ColonelJLloyd (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51002114@N03/), on Flickr

That sounds like the worst of both worlds:

- While one side is adjustable, the other side is not, so effectively there is no adjustability - if one side varies from the other, the straddle will be lopsided and pull unevenly.

- The cable is locked in between the straddle and the cantilever arm, so if the cable breaks above the straddle, the straddle wires can fall onto tire, and if the tire is knobby, it can lick the wheel up.

CPSC requires all new bikes sold to have a front reflector, and you've probably seen them mounted on a bracket like the picture below. The bracket actually serves a dual safety function - not only does it hold the reflector, but in case the brake cable should break or come loose, it stops the straddle wire from catching a tire knob and locking the front wheel.

http://www.rideyourbike.com/images/repairstandards/cantireflectorbracket.jpg

[ColonelJLloyd]

- While one side is adjustable, the other side is not, so effectively there is no adjustability - if one side varies from the other, the straddle will be lopsided and pull unevenly.

Those brakes were designed to pair with SLR levers and that straddle is specific to those cantilevers so I guess only one angle was intended and could be achieved in a "shorter" or "longer" overall straddle by choosing one of the two "ends". Perhaps the design is such that it guides the installer to produce the correct straddle angle simply by centering the fixing bolt.

[cachagua]

Suntour Power Hanger, shown here on my tandem. It's reversed because I hook my front brake up to my right lever, which means I had to put a short cable on the left side (right in the photo) and drill and tap half an inch of aluminum rod to hold the main cable at the other side.

You have to have a hole in your fork crown or seatstay bridge, but you don't have to have a cable hanger or worry about how close it is. Absolutely eliminate shuddering. And they make the brake feel nice and stop like mad. Our own donevwil pointed me toward them, suggesting the addition of the cable adjuster, and I've put them on all my canti bikes.

The Suntour ones are getting scarcer but here's a link to some nice knockoffs from France: www.ebay.com/itm/122412203677


https://68.media.tumblr.com/e7998f8cf2a59c0cd020a31916d32660/tumblr_ovimb2ueHA1tg04h3o1_540.jpg

[zap]

Cantis are a PITA to adjust, and I don't have the time/patience/skills to do it quickly.

Avid Tri Align canti brakes. It will take you a lot longer to find that 4mm than it will to adjust toe or height.

The straddle cable carrier are pretty nice too.

Tandem worthy.