Originally Posted by
wschruba
Modern linear-pull brakes (that is, ones without the parallel-push linkage) are far lower profile, so they tend not to suffer from the problem that the brakes you put on did--if a bike fits cantilevers, it will fit linear-pull brakes (really, cantilevers, as well), too...barring using super wide rims.
FYI, B&M (aka BUMM, for searching purposes) makes a long, wireform mount for lights that should fit your supernova, while still providing room to access the switch. Peter White, of course, can get one for you...much quicker than ordering one from Germany. My few interactions with him, both as a shop and as a consumer, were perfectly easy; I called knowing what i wanted, he double checked that I knew what I was getting, and off it went. He does have a minimum order, though. Pick up a few extra spade connectors/some wire, maybe, while you're there.
Anyway, the neat trick with the wireform mounts is, the main cable can pass right through the middle to the transverse cable, running beneath it. The Shimano CX-50/70 cantilevers are excellent brakes, and easy to set up.
None of this stuff helps you now, but it could be filed away for future reference.
Very good information about the brakes in general. It's quite odd. I've had a hell of a time getting the brakes, light, and fenders to work on my cross check. The canti's I had on there (which were Deore LXs) were so bad that my rollerbrake in the back stopped me easier than them, even with new pads, even after those pads broke in.) The thing is, the fork bridge.. uh.. where the blades meet, is quite HIGH on the cross check, meaning the fender sits a good 1" to 2" off of the tire. (Unless you buy the problem solvers thing made to correct this exact problem). This means that it's impossible for me to fit anything between the light and the fender.
Also what is annoying is that the brake hole on the fork is very HIGH compared to the headset. I had to file the top of the light mount to get it to fit UNDER the headset. So basically the position you see it in in the pictures is the HIGHEST it can be mounted/tilted. (Because if I try to tilt it up more it hits the headset.)
So basically the light and fender are stuck in place and immovable because of the Cross check frame/fork. I debated making a bracket to move the light up and away from the frame a bit. It'd probably end up looking like a blocky "J." It'd have to be made of probably 1/8" or 3/16" steel so it doesn't bounce around too much, but it wouldn't be too hard to make. (EDIT: I suppose I could simply SPACE the light out with a spacer and a longer bolt as well. That'd be easier.)
But in reality I just ordered the problem solvers fender flute which will allow me to move the fender down closer to the tire and give me a bit more room, perhaps to mount a straddle cable in there.
I may end up not using the parallel push v-brakes. I just always thought they were super cool... They were fine for a bit on the way home from the shop, but then started squealing. We'll see if they break in at all. Perhaps it was just cause it was wet outside. We'll see.