Cyclocross - Brake choice question (yet another)

I just broke my front Weinmann canti, so I need to replace it, but I want to keep the cost down. My options are:


radius canti
v-brake adapter and use old XT v brake
find someone with a spare part to fit my broken canti (see the void in the picture!)
anything else for about £25 (uk)


I'm not sure which to go for. The V adapter is the cheapest option, as I already have the brake, but I've never used V's on a CX bike before. The radius loko good for the money, but I don't know anyone who has used them. The geometry looks similair enough that it should be a straight swap for the old Weinmann.

Any thoughts?

I've only used Avid cantis but, as for the V-brake adapters, some other riders on the forum claim that they are dangerous. I hadn't heard this before, but it probably isn't worth messing with.

I didnt find v brakes dangerous but you dont get the mud clearance you need with them. The froggleggs are my brake of choice. I also use the SRP mr grumpy on my second bike.

I have the same (well, the Mafac version circa 1970 something!), and re-newed all the bolts through Martin Eadon (Dud) at www.x-gear.co.uk/,
I didn't need the bit that you have missing (it probably has a name) but it may be worth contacting them. I have had mine for about 12 years, bought second hand, and (I think) are the most efficient brake for a cross set-up.
;)

My friend gave me a bag of Dia-Compe 986 Cantis which seem to work quite well, although nothing will stop the front from squeeling!

Thanks for the advice,

Leon

Cross brakes are notorious for squealing. To fix this problem the brake shoes need to toe in. Unfortunately, most cross brakes dont have toe in adjustment. On my brakes that have this problem I just take a file to the pad and give it a bit of an angle of toe in.
-C

Yeah - I've got the back ones toed in nicely, but there just isn't enough adjustment at the front.

I guess I'll have to use the file.

Cheers,

Leon