Originally Posted by
MichaelW
Cantilever brakes dont really have more stopping power than quality dual pivot callipers but they do allow more tyre clearance.
On my road bike I can just squeeze a 32mm inside my long drop DPs. If you want more clearance than that you need cantilevers (or V brakes)
Recessed or not depends on the fork. If the fork has a recess (like a countersink) at the the rear of the brake bolt hole you either need a recessed brake or a widget to fill it in to use a nutted brake. You cant used recessed brakes on an unrecessed fork.
Nutted brakes usually play nicer with fenders , dynamo lamps and other things that mount onto the brake bolt.
Thanks, Micheal. The frame I am looking at is set up for recessed brakes. I have a good set of nutted brakes which I can use. I use 28mm tires now, but I am not carrying big loads. If I am carrying a full load, it is important to step up to 32's, or simply a matter of comfort?