Cyclocross - cantilever brakes... front / rear ... are they the same???

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Shutter
11-20-12, 09:15 PM
Hi, just bought a used cross bike... looking to upgrade the avid brakes to some new shimano ones... the Shimano BR-R550 look half decent and at a good price...

I found a deal on a rear set... I was thinking of buying two rear sets.. but wanted to ask before I do something stupid... what's the difference between front and rear?

I contacted the seller of the below auction and they said that the boxes are actually labeled as front and rear but he didn't notice any obvious difference...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121025208252

let me know... thanks!

WingSuit
11-20-12, 09:26 PM
Usually the rear brake is set up as narrow, and the front as wide. That keeps the rider from hanging up on the rear while dismounting or hopping back on the bike, while getting the extra stopping power from the front brake set up as wide. Some cantis, such as the Avid Shorty Ultimate, can be set up either way. You might end up with two narrow set ups, which may or may not suit you.