thanks, yep mine are the new ones. they also have issues centering properly after a good yank. will ponder upgrade options...the pauls are calling...

Spoken like someone who never learned how to adjust brakes properly.

I commute on my cross bike, which has Cantis. They work great, and most importantly they're mechanically simple -- they can handle tons of mud, snow, whatever, as well as easy maintainance.

By the way, I ordered a Bob Jackson World Tour frame, which requires canti brakes, based on all of the comments. Hopefully my mechanic will be able to set up the brakes properly. I plan to use the frame for my commuting bike, but might do some occasional tours. The canti brakes give me a lot more options with regard to tires and fenders, and I'm going to start out with Shimano BR-R550s since I've always had good results from Shimano parts (and my components are a mix of Ultegra and DA already).

If he can't, get a new mechanic.

That's because often enough there just isn't a way to adjust them properly. To get cantilevers working right all the parts - frame, brake mechanicals, pads and rims - all have to work well together. You have to try different combinations of these components until you get a full set that works together, otherwise all the adjustment in the world isn't going to help. If you have money and time and a pile of spare parts to throw at making them work, that might not be a problem. Or maybe you'll just get lucky. If not, they're just an eternal pain in the bum.

Horsepucky. Old MAFAC cantis, where the pads were at a fixed height and the only adjustment you could make (if you were lucky) was toe-in, then yeah... they were a pain.
New cantis (usually) have fully adjustable pads, whether it's shoe holders for V-brake pads, or post style, or screw-posts, you can adjust the toe-in, height, and camber of the pads. Many cantis have independant microadjustments for the return springs to aid with brake centering. I used the original Oryx cantis on my Cross Check with 3 different pads and 2 straddle hangers, and now my CR720s with the original pads and Kool Stop salmons. No problems with adjustments, centering, or stopping power.

Horsepucky back at ya. I invite you to come over and try to make these brakes stop chattering. Better bring a pillow and a change of clothes

I'm inclined to disagree as well. Mafacs are known for their power, those crappy shimano altus ones aren't, but they can still be set up to work well, on any bike. Koolstop pads are a no-brainer for improving brake performance on most bikes, caliper, or canti, or V-brake for that matter.

Once you understand the zen of it, it all comes together. Spend a few minutes deriving cantilever geometry and you'll have a much better feel.