Cantilever Bike Frames
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
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Cantilever Bike Frames
I love the appeal of a cantilever bike frame compared to the diamond one. How about you guys? More often I see a lot of diamond frames, is this because of its efficiency? Care to share your thoughts. Thanks bikers
#4
2-Wheeled Fool
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: New Hampshire
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
"Cyclists", thanks. Not "Bikers". Cyclists gracefully meld with their environment. Cyclists prefer to pedal around the world in synchronicity with the planet. Bikers are the circus clowns of motorsports.
#7
Dirty Heathen

Joined: Oct 2015
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From: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Cantilever implies that it is supported at only one end; therefore this would be a cantilever frame:
#9
On Your Left
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Long Island, New York, USA
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
#11
I’m a little Surly
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Near the district
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, Karate Monkey, Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
They decide da rulz for racing
#12
I know a lot of mountain bikers. Don't know one mountain cyclist.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biker
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biker
#13
Senior Member

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From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Huh. I read "cantilever frame" as a frame with bosses for cantilever brakes. My mistake.
#15
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#16
Sr Member on Sr bikes

Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Rhode Island (sometimes in SE Florida)
Bikes: Several...from old junk to new all-carbon.
If the intent of the discussion is aimed at opinions about frames with cantilever brakes...mine is that I don't care for them. I'd never ridden or used CL brakes until very recently. The college aged kid of a neighbor friend...who I actually got into cycling as off-season training for his varsity sport at school (he's on the Yale Rowing squad)...asked me to give his bike a 'once over' before he headed back to school. It's a road bike with CL brakes. He'd asked me specifically to "check and adjust the brakes." I put it on the work stand, and adjusted them to the same tolerance I do for caliper brakes. When I finished, and took it for a short ride down the block...WHOA!!! What the hell is that shudder!?!?!? I mean it's scary, and so prevalent that using the front brakes isn't comforting. Looking into it more...including here in the BFs...I discovered that it's inherent to the design. Only changing to smaller pads reduced it enough to be able to use the front brakes lightly to slow down in turns. Otherwise it's all rear braking. Then I discovered that a shorter cable stop arm greatly reduces the shudder to the point they can be used more regularly. Unfortunately there wasn't time before the kid's departure for school to effect the repair. So, it'll be done when he brings the bike home from school. Anyway...I just don't care for that style. Maybe if I was a 'cross rider I'd find them more appealing.
Also...concur with the sentiments a above about cyclist vs. biker. WRT those who ride mountain bikes...I dunno. I just know that "bikers" are the people who ride motorcycles. Maybe mountain/cyclo/gravel/BMX cyclists should just be called 'riders.'
Dan
Also...concur with the sentiments a above about cyclist vs. biker. WRT those who ride mountain bikes...I dunno. I just know that "bikers" are the people who ride motorcycles. Maybe mountain/cyclo/gravel/BMX cyclists should just be called 'riders.'
Dan









