Cross Brakes

[Chris]

What do you guys use? I had planned on using TRP Euro X, but they are on backorder at my shop. They can get me Avid Shorty 4s or 6s right away. Are the TRPs worth the wait?

[rwsaunders]

Lotsa Paul's (mix of Touring and Neo Retro's for leg clearance purposes) out there on the nicer rigs, Shimano makes an affordable set, as does Cane Creek. Try one of the Cross based websites for more information....ERichie's site too.

[xjoex]

I used to use the knock off of the Paul Touring by IRD. They are pretty nice. But I recently put the Paul Touring brakes on my cross/commuter and they are even better. They'd get my vote if you are looking to upgrade.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/100_2209.jpg

The Avids are OK, actually the avid's/tektros/cane creeks all look like they are made using the exact same molds...

You can see more about these brakes over http://robonza.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-paul-touring-brakes.html

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/?action=view&current=100_2209.jpg
On my main cross bike I have avid discs.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/100_0565.jpg
-Joe

[bshell]

Hi,

Just wondering if that disc equipped bike has mountain spacing/hub (135mm)?

If so, does that present any other challenges with respect to crank/chainstay clearance or ???

I have been thinking about getting something custom with disc tabs as I'm sure road disc is not too far off...just don't know if I'm asking for a lot more obstacles than going all traditional-like.

Thanks for any help!

[Dave B]

I just went from xtr v-brakes to the euro-x (base model) and they work great. The wheels I was using (GP4 rims) needed to have the sidewalls scuffed up a bit, but with proper toe in they work like a champ.

TRP has their new "Mag" brakes which are wicked expensive, but come with pad holders with this fancy new toe in feature. TRP are releasing the pad holders once the season begins. If you get the TRPs, keep checking for those pad holders, it will make toe in a non worry. fwiw

[Dave B]

I used to use the knock off of the Paul Touring by IRD. They are pretty nice. But I recently put the Paul Touring brakes on my cross/commuter and they are even better. They'd get my vote if you are looking to upgrade.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/100_2209.jpg

The Avids are OK, actually the avid's/tektros/cane creeks all look like they are made using the exact same molds...

You can see more about these brakes over http://robonza.blogspot.com/2008/08/review-paul-touring-brakes.html

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/?action=view&current=100_2209.jpg
On my main cross bike I have avid discs.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h85/boulderjoe/bikes/100_0565.jpg
-Joe

Is your disc brake bike a Ti Indy Fab?

;)

[cadence90]

After speaking with Jim Kish, White Industries, other c-x people and reading this interesting VeloNews cross brake article (http://velonews.com/article/9054), I think the Paul Touring wide-profile cantilever brakes are the best for most conditions.

More mud clearance, but less stopping power (despite what, respectfully, the Paul site states (everyone I've spoken with disagress with his Touring v. Neo-Retro power commments)), can be achieved with low-profile canti's such as Paul Neo-Retro, Spooky, Empella, SRP Mr. Grumpy, Avid Shorty 6 (weaker than the others), etc. All these are old Mafac l-p canti copies.

Personally, if one is not racing really hard in constantly muddy conditions, the Paul Touring are the way to go, imho.

[ergott]

Hi,

Just wondering if that disc equipped bike has mountain spacing/hub (135mm)?


My cross bike is 135mm with canti brakes. The 135 allows for stronger rear wheels because the flange spacing is improved. I have Chris King and XTR hubs laced to Stan's 29er rims and all works like a charm.

[xjoex]

Hi,

Just wondering if that disc equipped bike has mountain spacing/hub (135mm)?

If so, does that present any other challenges with respect to crank/chainstay clearance or ???

I have been thinking about getting something custom with disc tabs as I'm sure road disc is not too far off...just don't know if I'm asking for a lot more obstacles than going all traditional-like.

Thanks for any help!

I have XTR 135mm hubs laced to open pros. This is on a Seven Mudhoney with no clearance issues I run 170mm ritchey WCS road cranks with 36/42 chain rings.

The levers are ultegra, the brakes are avid road, I have trp carbon in-line levers too.

They are the great on the crosser, especially with the amount of rain we have here in town.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Joe

[Birddog]

When I built mine up, I had the same problem I ended up buying these from this guy. He seems to have an endless supply (He's been selling them for at least a year) I paid about $50, I don't remember exactly.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Suntour-XC-Pro-cantilever-brakes-Cyclocross_W0QQitemZ290254046017QQihZ019QQcategory Z27949QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm not sure what the CX experts think of them and they were a PIA to set up but then I had never set up Cantis before. All that said, they work flawlessly, no squealing etc, and I haven't had to tweak them since final fiddling. They look good too IMO.

Birddog

[bshell]

Hey,

Not sure about proper forum etiquette and asking my questions in another person's post but I wanted to say "thanks" for the helpful responses.

Originally I wanted to use some mountain cranks(leaving off the granny) and a Phil BB I have in a parts box but worried about BB shell width, chainline, chainring/chain/bolt circle diameter compatibility issues, etc. etc. etc.

The reason I haven't pulled the trigger on an order is that things seem to change a lot. Heck, I could buy campy 10 speed and be outdated real soon!