Originally Posted by
John R
Hey Tandem Geek, thanks for that info. right now im a bit strapped for cash. the Reynolds fork looks to be a better deal. Right now I'm using avid shorty canti brakes, they work well. I don't know if a compact road brake would have the same stopping power. I see a lot of calfees and carbon tandems use the road brakes.
First of all see
jnbrown's post, above; he makes several good points.
Good dual pivot calipers are easily on par with or produce more clamping force than most conventional cantilever brakes. Single pivot, not so much....
Now, linear pull cantilever brakes (aka, V-brakes) are a bit of a different story, particularly when they're mated with travel agent adapters in that they have the ability to produce more clamping force than either conventional cantis or calipers. In some cases, they produce too much clamping force which actually works to the detriment of the V-brakes vis-a-vis fork blade or seat stay deflection and other factors that lead to brake squeal (grip/slip).
FWIW: The benefit of cantilevers for tandems has always been increased clearance for larger tires and mud guards (aka, fenders) which is what made them popular on all but racing tandems.
Anyway, my take on brakes is that so long as you have a robust frame & fork, good quality brakes that are properly set-up and fitted with good brake pads, and a good rim with a clean brake track your biggest limiting factor is rider skill and judgement.