Originally Posted by
gueuzeman
I am trying to buy my first touring bike and am wondering if there are any glaring differences between these two types of brake systems. Is one better for wet stopping or loaded or more durable, etc. Thanks.
Glaring differences, No. IMO both work equally as well when properly adjusted. My own experince is that cantilever brakes are not as finicky as most V-brakes. A cantilever will tolerate an out of true wheel better. Cheap V-brakes are a PITA to keep adjusted. My touring bikes and MTB's have had XT cantilevers forever but some times I can't find studded brake pads at the LBS.
My tandem has Avid Ultimate V-Brakes and they are awesome, absolutely trouble free. I wouldn't hesitate to use them on all my bikes .But at $100 per wheel ( plus new levers)it is difficult to justify replacing the 20 year old canti's that still work excellent