Tips for fitting cantis

mikebikemike

AAAAhhhh most frustrating

I'm converting an old mountain bike into my winter road bike. I've found some old LX cantilever brakes. After an hour of fettling and swearing they're still rubbish at slowing the bike down. They adjust in so many different ways that sometimes they're miles away from the rim and other times catch tyres or whatever. I get them nearly right try to improve them and bug grrrrr them up again.

Is there a fool proof method for impatient, rubbish home mechanics to fit cantis please.

desweller

The height of the straddle wire is important. Sounds like you're not using a fixed length wire, so you should be able to adjust the height by moving the clamping position.

Also make sure that your rims are clean and brake blocks are free of debris.

They are a faff to set up IMO compared to Vs or calipers, requiring a bit more experience to get it right first time every time (the fool proof method you're looking for).

ynyswen24

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html

if in doubt, ask Sheldon (RIP)

desweller

ynyswen24 wrote:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html

if in doubt, ask Sheldon (RIP)

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/canti-trad.html

mikebikemike

excellent links for giving those brakes another going over this weekend - I'll probably still fettle for ages but hopefully actually get somewhere this time

Monty Dog

The height and angle of the straddle is critical to both power and feel - a good guide is two finger's width between the tyre and straddle. Set up the straddle and pinch-up the bolts to hold the pad post - and adjust them to get the same angle and distance each side.