Cantilever Brake Pad Length
05-02-23, 01:52 PM
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Cantilever Brake Pad Length
I am replacing some brake pads on a two '90s vintage bikes with Shimano cantilever brakes. I have the mounting sorted out, but I'm a little confused by pad length. I have some new 50mm pads already that I could use, but the pads on the bikes are mostly 60mm. Does pad length make much of a difference?
05-02-23, 01:58 PM
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Vintage canti pads were those lego bricks much smaller.
The shorter the pads, the more forgiving it is on the rim.
Meaning, longer pads and your rims need to be accurately true.
The shorter the pads, the more forgiving it is on the rim.
Meaning, longer pads and your rims need to be accurately true.
05-02-23, 02:21 PM
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"better" is figurative.
A performance bike that requires more accurate stopping power would benefit from longer pads. Like I said, those rims better be factory perfect.
A beach cruiser with max speeds of 5mph and the shorter pads are fine and will still work on wobbly rims.
A performance bike that requires more accurate stopping power would benefit from longer pads. Like I said, those rims better be factory perfect.
A beach cruiser with max speeds of 5mph and the shorter pads are fine and will still work on wobbly rims.
05-02-23, 07:56 PM
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I wouldn't spend too much worry about pad length as long as the pad/rim contact is good and that a longer pad won't contact the blades or stays in use. Now pad thickness can be a problem if the bike's set up is close to the edge of adjustment range. Andy
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