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wpbusc
 
Opinions wanted on Paul's Neo Retro Brakes.


Thanks
Buddy B

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jim-bob
 
Opinions wanted on Paul's Neo Retro Brakes.


Thanks
Buddy B

I think they're a bit pricey for knockoffs of 1970s-era technology.

velocipedio
 
they're knockoffs of 70s tech, but with orbital adjustment and the ability to use cartridge pads. in fact, they are the only high-profile cantis that have these features.

jim-bob
 
I thought the tektro radius brakes did as well, and they're considerably less expensive.

velocipedio
 
good point. although, as far as i know, tektro doesn't make the radius brakes. on the other hand, i have never been impressed by the radius brakes. on the other other hand, i think spending US$165 on brakes for a cross bike when there are other fine solutions available is just dumb. i personally use an old set of lx cantis. they work fine.

jim-bob
 
Hmm, weird. I guess you're right, they just say 'radius'. I don't know why I thought they were made by tektro.

They're decent enough brakes, I've found, but they're too high-profile for the back of a 16" frame - I kept catching my foot on 'em during trackstands.

I don't like low-profile brakes much for the most part, but the avid shorty 4s that I threw on to replace the radius seem to work pretty well, and were easy enough to set up.

wpbusc
 
Ok, so they are an expensive knock off of old technology. In a sense isn't that every new bike part or bike? Ok, how well do they work? I ride my 'cross bike like an unsuspended mtb and I would like a pair of brakes that work well. I have tried mini v's with and without the v adapters, avid tri align 3's and tektro canti's and I haven't been happy any of them.

Thanks
Buddy B

dessert1st
 
Pauls' Neo Retro and Touring Cantilever (low profile version of the same) are some of the best cantilevers out there.

They use precision bearings so there is no play, and rubber o-ring seals to keep out the gunk.

The brake pads are slim/modern V-Brake style so they have radial adjustment for perfect rim contact and toe-in, and have adequate clearance for most fork types (especially carbon).

Quality is first rate. Many crosser's like to run the Neo-Retro in the front (high profile) and the Touring canti's in the rear (low profile). The Touring canti's seem to have a little less braking power which is good for proper front/rear proportioning (helps to prevents rear wheel lockups). Additional leverage tuning (like with all canti's) can be done by lowering or raising the straddle cable.

The only downside I can think of (besides cost) is that spring tension adjustment is not that easy to dial in (requires an open ended wrench simultaneously with an allen wrench, and lots of patience).

But in my honest opinion, for the long haul they are a worthwhile investment.

Some of the other canti's I've had some experience with are Shimano XTR's (older version), Empella Frog Leggs, Avid Shorty's, and Radius, none of which match the smoothness and precision of the Paul's.

stric
 
They are great knock-offs but way too pricy. If you have a disk option on your frame go with it; it's far better. I've heard that they tend to flex the frame quite a bit given that they are very strong. But just the other day I saw the original French brakes (neo-retro's are based on these) on eBay for $10. There are other options as well. I think that neo-retros are just awfully cool looking, ginving you that retro look with good stopping power. Oh, and by the way, if you have big feet, you might find yourself hitting these brakes with your heels on the rear mounts - they are mounted wery wide.

seely
 
They are great knock-offs but way too pricy. If you have a disk option on your frame go with it; it's far better. I've heard that they tend to flex the frame quite a bit given that they are very strong. But just the other day I saw the original French brakes (neo-retro's are based on these) on eBay for $10. There are other options as well. I think that neo-retros are just awfully cool looking, ginving you that retro look with good stopping power. Oh, and by the way, if you have big feet, you might find yourself hitting these brakes with your heels on the rear mounts - they are mounted wery wide.


Discs aren't cross legal though, so its not a viable option for anyone who races.

dessert1st
 
If you use Paul's Touring canti's in the rear you avoid two problems:

o Overpowering the frame (they are less powerful), helps to prevent rear wheel lockups too
o Heel clearance

They are identical in looks and design to the Neo-Retros but are low profile just like Avid Shorty's, etc.

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