Cantilever Brakes Set Up
04-15-23, 12:50 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 521
Bikes: 2015 Felt Z75 Disc, 2008 Fuji Cross Comp, 2010 Trek Navigator 1.0, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1974 Schwinn Le Tour, 1981 Schwinn Super Le Tour, Surly Cross Check, 2021 Giant Talon 2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
60 Posts
Cantilever Brakes Set Up
I'm setting up new cantilever brakes for the first time. Does this look like I have it about right? I'm debating if the carrier should be a bit higher or if that is about right.
__________________
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
check out the Frugal Average Bicyclist
Frugal Average Bicyclist – The goal here is to help you keep cycling on a budget.
04-15-23, 01:26 PM
#2
Really Old Senior Member
Adjust it to give you the pull YOU like.
Panic stops need to have an adequate leverage and you need to train yourself to use it properly.
Different hand strength/size etc.....
Panic stops need to have an adequate leverage and you need to train yourself to use it properly.
Different hand strength/size etc.....
Last edited by Bill Kapaun; 04-15-23 at 01:29 PM.
04-15-23, 01:27 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,725
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5792 Post(s)
Liked 2,583 Times
in
1,432 Posts
It's OK. However, I'd probably go a bit higher.
As a guide, you want the yoke to make a right angle with the arm's line of action when braking.
Note, don't be fooled by the carved arms. The issue is the straight line from pivot bolt to yoke.
As a guide, you want the yoke to make a right angle with the arm's line of action when braking.
Note, don't be fooled by the carved arms. The issue is the straight line from pivot bolt to yoke.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-15-23, 03:08 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: NW Oregon
Posts: 2,975
Bikes: !982 Trek 930R Custom, Diamondback ascent with SERIOUS updates, Fuji Team Pro CF and a '09 Comencal Meta 5.5
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1299 Post(s)
Liked 739 Times
in
534 Posts
you're fine.. if the cable hanger gets too high, you will be pulling up on the brake arms more than inward.
I'd work on getting the straddle wire to conform more closely to the cable hanger, though.. this reduces initial sponginess when applying the brake.
get the brakes centered up well when pulled, mark the center of the straddle with a sharpie, then remove it from the hanger and bend it to follow the arch of the hanger... readjust the straddle, if needed.
I'd work on getting the straddle wire to conform more closely to the cable hanger, though.. this reduces initial sponginess when applying the brake.
get the brakes centered up well when pulled, mark the center of the straddle with a sharpie, then remove it from the hanger and bend it to follow the arch of the hanger... readjust the straddle, if needed.
Likes For maddog34:
04-15-23, 05:46 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Boulder County, CO
Posts: 4,397
Bikes: '80 Masi Gran Criterium, '12 Trek Madone, early '60s Frejus track
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 514 Post(s)
Liked 450 Times
in
338 Posts
Generally, pro mechanics shoot for a 90-degree bend in the straddle cable at rest, to give the best blend of power and feel for most riders. Longer gives more power but can get mushy. Too long, and the lever bottoms out. Shorter gives quicker, more direct feel but too short can strain the hands.
04-17-23, 06:41 PM
#6
Senior Member
If the brakes stop the bike effectively and don't scream - as cantis sometimes do - I'd call it good.
If you'd like to write a masters thesis on canti brake geometry, function, and set-up, then here is everything to know and then some!
https://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html
If you'd like to write a masters thesis on canti brake geometry, function, and set-up, then here is everything to know and then some!
https://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html
