OK! I have a Long Haul Trucker that came stock with tektro Oryx brakes( http://www.treefortbikes.com/107_333...ndard-pad.html ) The FIRST thing I did was swap out the standard pads for the Avid Kool Stop Eagle Claw Pads ( http://www.sram.com/_media/images/av...gler_large.jpg )

Even with the new pads, no matter how I adjust these, they are so hard to pull and stop with. I work in a shop and know how to work on canti's but have NEVER had trouble like this. I can pull as hard as possible and they still are too slow to stop. Does anyone have any suggestions? I made sure the straddle wire and hanger are adjusted properly, I made sure the brakes are centered and positioned on the rim surface properly, and I also made sure the spring tension is adequate and the pads are toed in. I am so confused.

SO! i am thinking of getting new brakes instead. I am not one to throw a little money into a bike to just fix it, I may as well upgrade now that I have the chance. I am thinking about the Paul Neo-Retro ( http://www.paulcomp.com/neoretro.html ) in the front and the Paul Touring Canti ( http://www.paulcomp.com/touringcanti.html ) in the rear. Is this a good idea? Or are there other options I should look into.