Originally Posted by
desconhecido
My experience with cantilevers is limited -- one 2003 Bob Jackson World Tour with Avid Shortys (aka "The Squeeler") and a recently acquired 1988 Miyata 1000. I replaced the straddle cables on the Miyata with, I believe, exacty what the OP has on his bike except the Shimano cantis have a clamp on one arm for adjusting cable length. I don't think those cables are intended to go full length from arm to arm.
The old style straddle cables with barrels at both ends used to be available in a bunch of different sizes. Nowadays, they seem to come only in 105mm for centerpulls, and 330 for I'm not sure what. Really too long for nearly anything. I think they are mostly for U brakes on BMX bikes that have to clear a tube.
At any rate, when the straddles are that long the brakes will have low mechanical advantage. IOW, you will need to squeeze harder. Shortening them up so that the cable makes an approximately 90º angle at the hanger is a good standard adjustment. To do that you will need to DIY some straddle cables. And to do that you need what BMX people call a knarp (no idea why). Rivendell used to sell these. BMX places have them. Probably at the LBS as well.
Dia-Compe Bicycle Brake Cable Anchor Bolt w/ acorn nut (NO CUT)
