1ply

The front brake on my new cross bike is much weaker than the mountain style brake that came on my old norco - how do I make the brake stronger? New bike has 105 components all around if that helps.

scrub

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...lver-Brake-FAQ

STP

Not sure what the problem is. Does it have greater stopping time with the same effort (could be pad related or rim related) or does it feel squishy (adjustment related). Take it to your local guy and tell him the way you want you brakes to perform and let me work his magic.

thisisbenji

It's hard to say, cantilevers are all about the set up. On my old Nashbar cyclcross bike the Tektro Oryx front brake sucked, but the same brake on my specialized crux has more stopping power than the sram force calipers on my road bike. It would flip the bike right over if I grabbed it too hard.

If I was you I'd just have someone who knows what they're doing take a look at it. Or better yet take it into the shop that you just bought it at.

Rejuvenator

V-brakes are deceptive, in that they clamp down so hard so quickly; it makes any other brake seem whimpy. I actually like cantis because they let me control my slowing, versus all or nothing.

Pain

No matter what you do a cantilever is going to be weaker then a V-brake, but they don't work with STI levers. However a mini V-brake works and gives tons of stopping power, although you will have to run the pads with just a small clearance from the rims so get an adjustable v-brake noodle too.

1ply

Thanks for all the input - I'll start with the easy ones - toe in, fork mounted hanger.

fietsbob

you have road brakes on there too?, or is the brakes the exception
to the '105 all around' statement?

you could put a V brake on the front, there are shorter arm Calipers
to be closer to the short cable pull of Brifters.

of course,you could swap in a disc compatible fork, and put an Avid
road cable operated caliper on, uses the shorter pull of brifters.