Help me pick my cantis!
 

So I've got two different sets of cantilevers on hand and I'm trying to decide which to put on my 1983 Fuji tourer. The first set is Deore LX. The other is Avid Shorty 4. Both are used but appear to be in great shape. I've already mounted the Deores but just got the Avids at a swap and I don't know if I should try those out instead. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Easily enough to swap and try both, but I think past posts noted squeals with Avid's. In the end, however, if the LX stops your bike well enough and are easy to adjust, I'd leave them on.

Whichever one you try, can you report back on the results? I've tried fitting some Tektro Oryx cantilevers on a number of older lugged bikes, without luck. Seems like the studs are a lot closer together on bikes from the 80s, compared to the current standard. If someone can tell me what new brakes fit these old bikes, or how it's done, I'd be very grateful.

+1

I couldn't find any current production cantis to fit an older frame due to this issue.

Yeah, I've had the same exact issue with other brakes I've tried on my Fuji. The original Dia-Compes were alright, but required a LOT of force to stop, and I couldn't really use them due to wrist injuries. The Deores are better geometry-wise than others I've tried, but I'm having trouble adjusting them so they don't require too much pull from the levers. I may try out the Avids to see if it makes a difference and I'll report back if I do.

I believe what may work is the old school wide-type canti. The only current one I know if is the Tektro CR720.
http://www.tektro.com/02products/11qb.php

What you need is mechanical leverage.... and these type have a ton of it over the Oryx or any other "low profile" canti.

I also use these brakes on another bike. 80's Deore BR-MT60. They don't look like much...but they have oodles of stopping power! I found a nearly new pair on Ebay for a spare set for about $16.
http://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...47b8f&Enum=117

You may also try the NOS Suntour XC Pro Canti's. The are quite adjustable. Not quite the leverage on narrower canti mounts, but if you move your straddle carrier cable high and make the arms as wide as possible it works fine. They are always for sale on ebay .http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Suntour-XC-P...3A1%7C294%3A50