Cyclocross - Best cantilevers for my bike? EC90X Fork

I need a new front cantilever, bad. Ive tried messsing with a lot of different options on my tektro short 4's, and they squeal like mad in the front no matter what. I have two length "link" wires, one short and one long, and both suck. Etc etc.

What brakes should I upgrade to? Tektro cr520s? Shimano Br550s? Im a decently light rider (145 lbs) and am going to use the bike for trail / commuter / actual cross racing. I also do road riding, so it can have NO shudder at all ( I cant even use my front brake right now ). I have the cable stop mounted fairly high with a headset mounted version, as the EC90X doesnt seem to have a hole in it for a fork mounted stop. Should I ditch the link wire and switch to a yoke as well?

Basically, whats a decent cheap canti out there that will not give me shudder?

Finally, why are there 3 holes on my cantilever bosses? I have two cross forks, both look like that. I read tons of articles on adjusting cantilevers and Im pretty sure ive gotten everything down, but theres no mention of the three holes in any of them. I assume it has to due with spring tension and pad clearance?

Mounting the spring in different holes changes where the arms stop. I assume you could use that to get more clearance.

Are you sure the brakes are the problem, and not the wheel?

try swapping the taller of the two spherical washers to the shoe side of the canti arm. that will give the canti a slightly wider stance. ditch the link wires for a traditional yoke cable, and run the yoke about 1.25" over the tire. then obviously re-adjust your shoes properly with around 4mm of toe in.

i was able to get MUCH better braking out of the tektro oryx's on my wife's cross bike with those adjustments. they're pretty much the same design as the shorty... HTH

Avid Single-Digit direct-pull brake plus Problem Solvers Travel Agent will work like a charm.

I have the same fork currently on order with my Cannondale frame. I plan on using the Tektro Cr720's in the front and IRD Cafams on the rear.

If you are getting excess shudder you will need to toe in your pads more. Also, a canti brake stiffener may help for road rides. Something like this...
http://www.paulcomp.com/images/brakeboostermain.png

I may just try that stiffener....ive already toed the brakes in to their maximum, so I dont think that will help any more. Wheel is totally true and while the braking surface isnt perfect, its pretty damn good. Ive cleaned all surfaces as well.

edit:

Between the shimano BR550, the Kore race series, and the tektro cr720/520, which would you guys recommend? They are all around the same pricing, and the kore and tektro both are more wide profile......ive heard great things about all three though.

go with cr720s; better value, better stopping power

go with cr720s; better value, better stopping power

Personally, I use old style Shimano cantis. Never had a problem setting them up and they're over 20 years old.

I have BR550's and have been really disappointed with them. I would go with CR720s.

I have BR550's and have been really disappointed with them. I would go with CR720s.

Sheldon Brown said he thought they were the best canti's Shimano made. What kind of problems are you having?

+1 on the Avid Single Digit Ultimates linear pull brakes.

Also, to eliminate the squeal try scrubbing the rims with Simple Green cleaner and a Scrubby. If that doesn't work try scouring the rims with very (VERY) coarse abrasive paper. (Really very coarse.) (Not just slightly coarse. The most coarse.) (Quite coarse will not be coarse enough.)

kore kross are awesome.

I got the Cr720s, which worked great

That is...until I bent the cable hanger! Totally my fault though, and I just got a new one. Cheap too.