Cyclocross - Canti Not Springing Back - Tektro Oryx

I tried to put some new pads on my bike last night and one arm of my front brake will not spring back. Even disconnected from the cable it will not return to it's nonbraking position.
Taking the arm off I noticed that the spring at the far end (nearest the cable) seems to have the hook broken off. The spring still hits the stop, but is not retained by it or wrapped around it.
I think I need a new spring, are they available?

Sounds like a good excuse to upgrade the brakes. ;)

Pictures would help in diagnosing.

Next , on to TRP EuroX cantilevers.. or Avid Ultimates..

even if ya dont want to spend a bundle the Avid Shorty 6 is way adjustable and under $100 for both wheels. Avid Ultimates are my next upgrade though

I've always been a fan of Tektro CR720s. Dirt cheap to start with, and I managed to score mine for $19/pair on sale.

I checked out the Shorty Ultimate, but it doesn't have the typical (modern) link wire, and instead has more old fashion Triangular Yoke. I read on some page about bad crashes because the main cable snaps at the brake levers and the sub cable (the one between the brake itself) gets stuck on the tire knobbies.

I highly doubt cables today or brake levers suck today, but if it does for being in a bad factory line or some poor luck, I don't think Shorty Ultimate is safe in that case. What do you guys think?

I checked out the Shorty Ultimate, but it doesn't have the typical (modern) link wire, and instead has more old fashion Triangular Yoke. I read on some page about bad crashes because the main cable snaps at the brake levers and the sub cable (the one between the brake itself) gets stuck on the tire knobbies.

I highly doubt cables today or brake levers suck today, but if it does for being in a bad factory line or some poor luck, I don't think Shorty Ultimate is safe in that case. What do you guys think?

I think it's very unlikely that you'd have that kind of problem. I know Sheldon Brown's description of link wires mentions it but I'm skeptical.

Link wires make setup simpler, but they also limit your adjustability options. Traditional straddle cables have definite advantages.

235926
So, that's what it looks like not springing back.
Took just the one arm to a LBS and the mechanic said he "could totally fix it".
He tried to bend the spring more with pliers, but it was clear he didn't achieve his goal.
He did say on the bike he could make it work. He did not instill much confidence in me.

Looks like it's not supposed to come apart or replace the spring.

So, I'll be buying a new front brake.
I honestly have had no real problems with these cheap brakes (until now) and can get one for $18 shipped; so I'm inclined to do that.

Upgrade would be nice, but I'm cheap.
I don't see paying $100-150 for a brake right now.

Though the CR720's are only $22

I just ordered a set of these for $12 each.

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium/48336.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=48336&category=4645)

I have no idea if they're any good, but it seemed like a cheap way to try mini-V's.

I had a brake cable break where it bolted to one of the arms using a link wire. The constant flexing every time the brake was applied did it, and there was no warning to the failure. Since it is the only brake (Miami Sun trike) I am switching to a old DiaCompe that uses a straddle wire. Rather hard on the shoes to use feet against rear tires to stop that thing, and the BMX side pull did not work worth a dang. Also tried a V-Brake, but the lever did not work for them, was almost like having no brake at all.
I also upgraded to some canti's on my mountain bike to get rid of the original link wire setup, I just don't trust link wires after the one on the trike failed.

Hey Rumpled ,[from picture], there is a cable pulling up
on just one side that is why it's like that, a D'oh.. :lol:

with the wheel in, both hooked up or the cable fixing bolt loose, entirely..
is there a return spring effect ?

No return spring effect in any condition. I think the spring has given up the ghost.

If you want a nearly identical brake, Cane Creek's SCX-5 can be had pretty cheaply (check eBay).

No return spring effect in any condition. I think the spring has given up the ghost.


they wear out after awhile but you could get a little more life out of yet. Unseat the spring from the tab behind the canti arm ,then with a pair of pliers put a kink in the spring and sightly bend it back, don't just pry on it to bend it, you want to reform the kink some.
also use your the centering screw to load some extra tension to it (if it isn't already bottomed out). You may also want to remove it entirely and inspect it for any crack or broken parts. Lastly if all else fails get new cantis. I had the same issue with a set of short 6's that I kept alive by reforming the bend every so often.

Shimano BR-R550! I got mine for about $30. They look great stop well and eliminated the squealing I had with my Tektro's.