2013 Specialized Tricross Brake shudder
 

Hey all,

I've google searched and it seems to be very common, but I can't seem to find many options for my '13 model which has a strong front brake shudder which I would even consider dangerous in a high speed braking situation.

I can see that Specialized discontinued their front brake hanger, stating that it was for the '09-'11 models. They told me to look for something aftermarket. Well I did, and I bought a Tektro #1277A front hanger. However it doesn't seem to fit. The bolt isn't long enough to go through the front fender hole and the hole isn't large enough on the back end as well. I can't seem to find any sort of installation guide online besides the old one offered by Specialized. However is there another option or do I have to deal with this dangerous braking?

Please help!

I certainly hope you can get this sorted out, my 2010 that came with the hanger brace definitely cured the issue they had with this in previous models, I have never had any shudder going on. Has the store that sold you your bike gone over all the obvious stuff (loose this or loose that) and can they replicate the shudder easily?
While I cant help you specifically, I would suggest that if the shudder is easily repeatable, I would use the fact that the success of the previously used hanger thing fixed this problem before, and that they have an obligation to fix this one.
It's a great bike I find, still very happy with it 4 years on, rides nicely with slicks and I have also toured on it, where it performed perfectly well.

I have just done exactly this on two bikes recently - the Dawes Galaxy enabled me to just use the front mudguard bolt to attach the Tektro hanger and I didnt bother with the female nuts (bolts?). The other option is to get a longer bolt and then you can gently drill the fork hole slightly wider to accomodate the "female nut" that holds it together. I find that the Tektro units work really well and have noticeably reduced the amount of front brake chatter. :)


They also sell this type:


For around 5 UK pounds, but I dont have any personal experience with them, but they may suit your needs. :)

the other option is to find a set of mini v brakes
as these eliminate brake shudder perfectly
and work with the same levers as cantis

however
i am a big fan of cantilever brakes
as they provide massive stopping power
and massive tire and fender clearance
so see if you cant find a fork mounted hanger to work

if the one you tried has a recessed nut
as shown in the pic that continuity posted
then you could try to drill out the back of your fork
this used to be a semi common mod done to old road bikes to install modern brakes

or you could find one that has a longer bolt and external nut
as these are also available
as are long bolts and external nuts that can be purchased separately to replace the short bolt and recessed nut

How are you on the toeing in, abilities, and perhaps changing the brake shoes ?

The OP's shudder problem is common on CX bikes with carbon steerers, cantilever brakes and top race or stem mounted brake housing stops. It results from flexing of the steerer that sets up a vibration in the brake cable and is corrected by mounting the housing stop on the fork crown. Lennard Zinn had a long article about the cause and correction several months ago in Velo News.

AlAn full aluminum Cross forks were worse, but that was the Pro's bike of the era ..

I think you are asking Specialized for the wrong part. The cable stop you need is the Crux front cable stop. As shown in this pic on their site Specialized Bicycle Components

That looks just like the thing on my 2010 Tricross.

Many have found the force multiplier device that pivots around the crown through bolt and has the straddle cables attached (or in cannondale speak, Force 40) to be problematic. Specifically the centering of the pads can be very inconsistent and changing. having three pivots with their respective springs all balanced AND stay that way for any length of time is too much to expect. Prior to "v" brakes coming onto the market these were an attempt to increase clamping leverage. I don't know how many cannondales that had this set up that we converted to traditional hanger cable stop and straddle cable designs after repeated attempts to adjust and keep from pads rubbing the rims. I don't remember any customers complaining about weak brakes after the conversions. But plenty thanked us for getting their brakes to not rub... Andy.