Cyclocross - Old school XT cantis vs v-brakes for cross

I am thinking about switching to some 1995 old school Shimano BR-M737, Deore XT cantilevers and ditching my Tektro v-brakes (with Problem Solver Travel Agents) for my new cross build. When the V-brakes get wet, they are fairly useless - I can ride the bakes fully depressed and not completely stop - just slow down a bit.

Will these cantis provide better wet condition stopping power with Campy STI levers? Also, what brake pads do you recommend (or with the stock black Shimano XT MTB pads be fine) for use on aluminum rims?

In my quite humble opinion I think the XT Cantilevers would be a good match with your Campy Ergo levers. I've used those arches
for years on both 'cross, MTB and touring use and they're a good quality, low profile cantilever as long as they're set up properly.

Pad wise, for wet/ muddy conditions the consensus would be to use Kool Stop Salmon colored brake pads; they work the best in the Wet
stuff.

Also, I would suggest ditching the 'A' & 'B' straddle wires, using standard ones, and using the Shimano 'Wide' crossover yoke. You might
get better lever feel with the stiffer yoke.

http://sheldonbrown.com/images/yokewide.gif

Good Luck! :thumb:

In my quite humble opinion I think the XT Cantilevers would be a good match with your Campy Ergo levers. I've used those arches
for years on both 'cross, MTB and touring use and they're a good quality, low profile cantilever as long as they're set up properly.

Pad wise, for wet/ muddy conditions the consensus would be to use Kool Stop Salmon colored brake pads; they work the best in the Wet
stuff.

Also, I might also suggest ditching the 'A' & 'B' straddle wires, using standard ones, and using the Shimano 'Wide' crossover yoke. You might
get better lever feel with the stiffer yoke.

http://sheldonbrown.com/images/yokewide.gif

Good Luck! :thumb:

Agreed 110%. If you want to keep it all Campy use a set of the new CX cantilevers. Good luck

Thanks "oldskoolwrench" - Where can you find the "Shimano 'Wide' crossover yoke"? I haven't seen such a thing, but it looks great.


In my quite humble opinion I think the XT Cantilevers would be a good match with your Campy Ergo levers. I've used those arches
for years on both 'cross, MTB and touring use and they're a good quality, low profile cantilever as long as they're set up properly.

Pad wise, for wet/ muddy conditions the consensus would be to use Kool Stop Salmon colored brake pads; they work the best in the Wet
stuff.

Also, I would suggest ditching the 'A' & 'B' straddle wires, using standard ones, and using the Shimano 'Wide' crossover yoke. You might
get better lever feel with the stiffer yoke.

http://sheldonbrown.com/images/yokewide.gif

Good Luck! :thumb:

The canti will provide better clearance before mud induced braking, than the V.
lower MA, means the pad moves further for given lever swing,
it gives you a larger gap to fill up with mud.. between pad and rim,
and wheel still rolls.

Also, I would suggest ditching the 'A' & 'B' straddle wires, using standard ones, and using the Shimano 'Wide' crossover yoke. You might get better lever feel with the stiffer yoke.


An extra wide crossover yoke like that actually decreases the mechanical advantage of the brake. It might make the lever feel a bit firmer but only because the cantilevers then are less effective. If you want maximum available force from these brakes, use a regular size cable yoke hanger but I agree with ditching the shimano A-B wire hanger, those make setup and adjustments more of a hassle.

Plenty of other good canti setup advice and discussion in this forums cantu FAQ;
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/722673-Cantilver-Brake-FAQ