Question regarding buying an older road bike with cantilever brakes
05-27-19, 04:16 PM
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Question regarding buying an older road bike with cantilever brakes
Hello,
First post here I'm new to the road bike world as i maily ride MTB. I'm looking at buying a used road bike from 2010 that has shimano 105 components. My question is, is it worth buying an older bike with cantilever brakes that I can not upgrade unlike the shifter of dereleures? the reason I am buying used is because i found a great deal(I think) locally. it's a Motobecane phantom cross pro with a carbon fork and 35c tires for $250.
any input would be great!
First post here I'm new to the road bike world as i maily ride MTB. I'm looking at buying a used road bike from 2010 that has shimano 105 components. My question is, is it worth buying an older bike with cantilever brakes that I can not upgrade unlike the shifter of dereleures? the reason I am buying used is because i found a great deal(I think) locally. it's a Motobecane phantom cross pro with a carbon fork and 35c tires for $250.
any input would be great!
05-27-19, 04:20 PM
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Shouldn't be any reason to upgrade from 105 brakes unless you're trying to shave grams or don't like the look. They'll stop just fine and shouldn't be a dealbreaker if you dig the bike overall.
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
05-27-19, 04:24 PM
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alright, I wasn't sure how great the older 105s group sets where so was interested if the are upgrades available.
05-27-19, 06:16 PM
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Less than a year ago I took a very nice cross frame that was older than yours and Frankensteined it into a great burley do everything bike. I’ve taken it over 90% of what a mountain bike can.
The brakes aren’t an issue. If they suck, look at how the cables are run or the housing itself. If you want more brakes, Kool Stop salmon pads are readily available. Beyond that, a good rim cleaning might help.
My my guess is that you’ll be surprised at how well rim brakes work.
The brakes aren’t an issue. If they suck, look at how the cables are run or the housing itself. If you want more brakes, Kool Stop salmon pads are readily available. Beyond that, a good rim cleaning might help.
My my guess is that you’ll be surprised at how well rim brakes work.
05-27-19, 06:53 PM
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Why can't you upgrade the brakes? There are several prominent manufacturers that still make cantilever brakes like Tektro/TRP and Paul. Or you could convert to mini v-brakes.
05-27-19, 06:59 PM
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Canti brakes are great when set up properly with good pads. If they were fundamentally deficient in some way, we wouldn’t be talking about them, some 80 years after they were invented.
05-27-19, 07:17 PM
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Look it over real good and see if it will fit you or be close enough with adjustments or stem or seat post change. If you purchase it do a good tune up. If you know how do an overhaul. As mentioned you may only need to replace to salmon brake pads for improved braking. It is setup for canti if you go with mini V brakes you need to choose one with adjusters on the V brakes like Paul uses. Inline cable adjusters suck.
05-27-19, 07:51 PM
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A Cyclocross bike isn’t a road bike. Has been common for them to have canti’s. Which can work well.
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