Halthane
05-28-08, 08:05 PM
Does anybody have any experience using Tektro's CR520 or CR720 on touring bikes (Or any bike for that matter)? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul
Thanks,
Paul
Touring - Tektro CR 520/720
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jonsam
05-28-08, 09:21 PM
I just put Tektro CR720s on my Cross Check. As far as touring goes I could see them being a good brake. They're very powerful and as a nice bonus they don't squeal. Unlike the Avid Shorty 4s they're replacing. I know that there is some concern with high profile cantis like that racks/panniers but I don't have any direct experience with it. Also I found the stock pads lacking so some Koolstop Salmon pads are on the way.
knucklesandwich
05-28-08, 09:57 PM
520s came stock on my new Van Dessel, and they are miles better than Shortys in terms of stopping power and adjustability. I like them so much I ordered a pair of 720s for my Kona Jake (commuter/rain bike), and just installed them tonight. Will give my opinions in a few days...
Halthane
05-29-08, 12:19 AM
I know that there is some concern with high profile cantis like that racks/panniers but I don't have any direct experience with it. Also I found the stock pads lacking so some Koolstop Salmon pads are on the way.
Looking at my bike right now I can't see there being a clearance issue (I could see it with other bikes though). I think I'm definitely going to order a pair. I really like the old shimano XT's I have a far as stopping power, but they are really miserable to adjust properly, and I'm not sure they would do the job with a full touring load unless they were perfectly adjusted. I would definitely get the koolstops as well.
Looking at my bike right now I can't see there being a clearance issue (I could see it with other bikes though). I think I'm definitely going to order a pair. I really like the old shimano XT's I have a far as stopping power, but they are really miserable to adjust properly, and I'm not sure they would do the job with a full touring load unless they were perfectly adjusted. I would definitely get the koolstops as well.
zebede
05-29-08, 08:12 PM
I replaced the tektro onyx with tektro 720s. They are by far the easiest cantilever brake I have ever set up. I also put koolstop mtn/bmx pads on them. Very strong breaking power. Much more than I need for commuting. I have since ordered koolstop inserts for the nice brake pad holders that came with the brakes and will save the kool stops for tour or backup on tour.
I have not had any clearence issues with panniers. But I have only used a medium sized pannier on the back. In addition I have an extra wide rack (Surly/Ultimate).
I have not had any clearence issues with panniers. But I have only used a medium sized pannier on the back. In addition I have an extra wide rack (Surly/Ultimate).
jonsam
05-29-08, 09:14 PM
That's good to hear that there isn't really a clearance issue. I'd love to put a pair on my touring bike.
Does anyone else who's installed them know why there are so many set screws on the straddle cable holder? On one side (left?) there is an allen head set screw and on the other side there is a allen head set screw and a philips screw on the back. I tightened them all down but I couldn't figure out why they had done that.
Does anyone else who's installed them know why there are so many set screws on the straddle cable holder? On one side (left?) there is an allen head set screw and on the other side there is a allen head set screw and a philips screw on the back. I tightened them all down but I couldn't figure out why they had done that.
knucklesandwich
05-30-08, 08:32 AM
That's good to hear that there isn't really a clearance issue. I'd love to put a pair on my touring bike.
Does anyone else who's installed them know why there are so many set screws on the straddle cable holder? On one side (left?) there is an allen head set screw and on the other side there is a allen head set screw and a philips screw on the back. I tightened them all down but I couldn't figure out why they had done that.
Download the PDF direction sheet off the Tektro website.
The screws at the outer edges of the straddle hanger are for securing the straddle cable once you have the brake arms se where you want them. On my bike with the 520s, the cable hanger hangs straight down, and the straddle cable balances itself out nicely, but on my other bike with the 720's, it doesn't sit exactly directly below the stem, so the straddle cable tends to stay longer on one side- so I may end up locking the straddle cable down using those corner screws.
Does anyone else who's installed them know why there are so many set screws on the straddle cable holder? On one side (left?) there is an allen head set screw and on the other side there is a allen head set screw and a philips screw on the back. I tightened them all down but I couldn't figure out why they had done that.
Download the PDF direction sheet off the Tektro website.
The screws at the outer edges of the straddle hanger are for securing the straddle cable once you have the brake arms se where you want them. On my bike with the 520s, the cable hanger hangs straight down, and the straddle cable balances itself out nicely, but on my other bike with the 720's, it doesn't sit exactly directly below the stem, so the straddle cable tends to stay longer on one side- so I may end up locking the straddle cable down using those corner screws.
jonsam
05-30-08, 08:46 AM
I understand what the screws are for. My question was just curiosity about why one side had two screws and the other side had only one. It's not important, it just didn't make sense to me.
zebede
06-02-08, 07:37 PM
The set screws allow you to maintain centering which means you can get the pads close. The screw head that is on one side is for holding the brake cable (not the straddle wire) out of the way if it is to long and might rub on the tire or scratch your fenders. Once you install the straddle wire holder you will see what we mean. IMO these brakes are a fantastic value. Strong, good looks, easy set up. I would have paid double and still thought it was a great deal.