Cyclocross brakes

Stormtrooper

I've just bought myself a cannondale caadx and the brakes are diabolical.
I've used the bike a few times now and the don't seem to be getting better, the rear brake won't even lock the back wheel up not even on the loose stuff.
Can anyone recommend me some better pads or even brakes.

asprilla

Cantilever brakes ain't great.

I've just built up my CAAD9 CX with mini-v brakes and its much more stoppy. I've got TRP CX8.4s which are a bit spendy but there are Tektro equivalents; same design just different materials. If you've got Shimano levers apart from the new DA then they recommend 90mm arms, for current DA, Campaga and SRAM then it's 84mm arms.

Tektro RX5 or RX6

Stormtrooper

Tiagra levers with tektro cr520

asprilla

I think this is what you are looking for then.

Standard disclaimer that I've not tried them but I'm happy with their more expensive cousins for messing about on ice spike tyres in the winter.

Stormtrooper

Or am I better off trying a better pad?

asprilla

Can do, but anti brakes only continue to be used because they clear and shed mud better than mini-vs and calliper brakes in very muddy race scenarios. If you aren't caking your bike in mud then changing the type of brakes will bring the most improvement.

animal72

See if you can find a (used) set of Onza HOs. I've got them on my classic MTB, they're (in my experience) the most powerful cantis out there.

beeroclock

Use TRP CX9's on my cross bike, work really well - if a little pricey - still why on earth would one want to skimp out on brakes?

Cheers Phil

turnerjohn

I had a set of Frogg (thought they were the best ....er NO !) that seemed pretty rubbish, I got a get a Avid Short 6s (same as the 8s) and wow what a difference ! I'd recommend the Avids !

Stormtrooper

I really don't mind putting my hand in my pocket and shelling out for GOOD brakes, I just don't want to waste money and buy something that's no better than what I have.

xixang

my cr520s are absolutely fine on both cx bikes (cx racing - never tried on road at road speeds). tried frogglegs and a couple of others but the cr520s are by far the best I've tried. Silly question maybe but are they set up correctly?

NickintheLakes

I have a TCX1 with TRP CX9's - 105 5700 Brifters.

Superb brakes.

They squeal a bit with the standard road cartridges but I replaced them with Ashima 4 Function V cartridges and they are now 100% quiet and are the nuts. No need to set the pads with any toe either - just put them on flat and away you go - no noise.

Very easy to set up, they run close to the rim, modulate well (despite what you may read in reviews), are full on at about 30-40% lever pull (despite what you read in reviews) and don't get clogged with mud (despite what you read in reviews) - you can see the theme emerging here!

CX9 for Big S and CX8.4 as already mentioned for SRAM.

They look sexy too!

jimmm

I am buying some TRPCX8.4s for my bike after being recommended them by quite a few people.

I'm interested to hear from the people who have the TRP CX8.4s or CX9s - did you fit them yourself? If so how difficult was it? Do they come with brake cable included, or am I going to have to buy some separately?

clazza

I can recommend mini-Vs if mud isnt an issue - would also suggest adjustable noodles to make taking wheels out a bit easier. I found performance of mini-V's great when off road and not all "grabby" but they do require careful setup

Currently using TRP CX8.4's and have a pair of CX9's for sale if you're interested - bought them when 8.4's weren't available and not knowing that CX9's work better with Shimano

Giraffoto

Avid Shorty 6, the shortest straddle cable, Kool-stop pads. If you can fit one, the Specialized fork crown mount reduces fork judder as well.

NickintheLakes

jimmm wrote:

I am buying some TRPCX8.4s for my bike after being recommended them by quite a few people.

I'm interested to hear from the people who have the TRP CX8.4s or CX9s - did you fit them yourself? If so how difficult was it? Do they come with brake cable included, or am I going to have to buy some separately?

Easy to fit - in fact very easy to fit.

Full instructions included but basically bolt onto bike, fit cartridges, connect cables and set clearance, balance arms - all easy-peasy stuff.

No they do not come with cables.

Latest models have barrel adjusters on the noodles which is handy.

Change the supplied road cartridges to V cartridges if they squeal.

kentphil

Just changed the pads on my Caadx. It too has Tektro cr520 brakes which were awful. It now has some Ashima 4function vbrake pads on the front. They seen much better than the stock tektro pads. Still some judder there but much better feel and I can now confidently brake on steep decents knowing I can stop :-) I'll repost again once they've bedded in some more. The Ashima pads are very adjustable and easy to set up. Cost me £17 but you get a set of spare pads and this costs much less than a TRP or Avid set up.

Monty Dog

TRP CX8.4s very easy to fit.

Folks say mini-vees offer less mud clearance - but mud clearance is also important like not having a rear chainstay bridge. Took my mini-vee bike out with a mate on his Planet-X Disco around local bridleways - he came to a halt first because of mud packing behind the BB, whereas I could ride further - so much for disc brakes being better in mud!

ugo.santalucia

Monty Dog wrote:

TRP CX8.4s very easy to fit.

Folks say mini-vees offer less mud clearance - but mud clearance is also important like not having a rear chainstay bridge. Took my mini-vee bike out with a mate on his Planet-X Disco around local bridleways - he came to a halt first because of mud packing behind the BB, whereas I could ride further - so much for disc brakes being better in mud!

I think they got the marketing of disc brakes completely wrong... they should really focus on touring and road... you want 600 pounds each carbon rims? Disc brakes... you want to ride 20,000 miles per year to prepare your next PBP? Disc brakes... the mud clearance story is pure nonsense

Monty Dog

Sold my CX bike with discs - fine for trail riding/commuting but ironically not for CX where grip is far more critical. I can't remember losing a place due to braking but plenty of time due to wrong tyre choice.

kentphil

I've now fitted Ashima vbrake pads to the rear brakes too. I've toed in the front pads which has almost eliminated the juddering completely. I can now brake as well as on my road bike. I would recommend this set up.