Touring - Touring Brakes??

OK, one more time with one more component. How about brakes for loaded touring? A touring specific frame usually limits the type to cantilever or V-brakes, but within those catagories, the choices are practically endless. With value as a consideration, which type do you favor and what's your brand? Thanks!

I prefer the 'old' style cantilever brakes. I use the LX set with Kool Stop pads. They work great with Dia Compe Aero Comp levers. If you use vee brakes, you must use a road lever with the appropriate amount of 'throw' to actuate the brakes.
So, it depends on the levers you have...

I like the heavy old Shimano Xt brakes from the 1980's I have tried other brakes since and I always like these best. I tried the Avid shorties and was very disappointed, they stopped well but there is a lot of play between the Brake arms and the pivot . They required frequent adjustment to keep them centered. eventually the pins that engage the spring into the pivot boss began falling out, I sent them back to Avid and they replaced them But i decided not to put them back on so I sold the Avids on Ebay. It is too bad because they are very good when they work.

I tried XT V brakes ,They worked very well but they interferred with the rear rack which is not the the fault of the brakes. I have them on my sons MTB now they work great but need frequent adjustment to prevent brake squeal

The best brakes I haved used are the Avid Ultimates. I have a pair on my Yokota Tandem and man they stop that tandem on a dime! Down side is they go for 90 to 100 bucks per wheel. I recently rode a bike with the Cane Creek D2's (V brake) I thought those were really good also.

Have just put Suntour self energisers on my Cannondale T2000 to replace Tektronik Oryx, was this a good idea?

Peter

I actually have my favorite brakes on my hybrid bike now. Shimano V-brakes with the adjustable "feathering"....they are very efficient and with the squeeze adjust it is pretty impossible to go "head-over-tea-kettle" if you slap on the binders hard!! I feel that type of brake system is even safer in wet weather riding as well.

"old" but actually brand new '91 XT cantilevers from Harris and Sheldon Brown...Beautiful and only $90 per pair...Kool stop pads are a must with whatever hardware you decide to go with.

my 2 cents