Bicycle Mechanics - Brake stopping power?

I have just completed a fully loaded tour on my Cannondale t2000 and was never satisfied with the braking power of the stock cantilever breaks. What alternatives do I have for replacement? Something with real stopping power for the extra weight of a loaded touring bike. Changing brake levers also is not an issue. Do V-brakes work better and will they provide the fender clearance I need. Thanks, Greg

As someone earlier said on this forum, wedge your foot between the rear tyre and the saddle tube :)

To be serious, I think V-brakes works better and you should be able to clear the fender. BUT, with all brakes, if you are on a long downhill run, try to soften the preasure on the brakes from time to time so they dont loose grip.

Get some disc brakes on that thingy.

Assuming you have road levers on the bike, you are out of luck with v-brakes unless you use a device to modify the cable pull - but I dont recommend those.

Disc brakes are an option, AVID makes a set of cable operated disc brakes for use with road levers. But that means a new wheel set too, and brakes. Expensive.

Shimano released last year the BR-550, which is a cantilever brake designed for use with STI levers. I have a set on my cyclocross bike and have been very happy with them. MSRP is around $35 a pair. Your LBS should be able to order them from Quality or BTI, as I doubt they will have them in stock.

How about Kool-stop pads? I went from stock tektro's to KS salmons and really, it's incredible. I'm going to re-do my entire fleet.

Assuming you have road levers on the bike, you are out of luck with v-brakes unless you use a device to modify the cable pull - but I dont recommend those.

.Applesauce. Travel Agents work just fine for allowing road levers to operate V-brakes.

I hadn't ridden my MTB for a while. When I did, I was shocked at how powerful the V-brakes are compaired to standard road brakes.

Canti brakes should offer a great deal of braking power, comparable to v brakes. And generally unlike V brakes, they can be adjusted to offer more or less braking power by tweaking the straddle wire length.

Better brake pads could also be a great help. Seems salmon colored Kool Stops really are the best available.

You just completed a full-loaded tour and you're now complaining about the performance of your brakes? Any vehicle loaded down will have dimished braking power.