Effective canti pads

Forgive my assumption. but I suspect that like several of my retrobiking comrades, I am somewhat heavier than I was when cantilever brakes were all the rage.
I've been used to V brakes and then the witchcraft-like stopping power of those circular disc type things in recent times.
However, in a vain attempt to re-live my mis-spent youth, bunny hopping fallen logs in Grizedale Forest on a canti clad P7, I am equipping my latest build with DX brakes of said type (please note that here I am resisting the urge to mock the common evil bay usage of the term break leaver!).
Therefore, to enable me to bring my pie and real ale ravaged body to a halt from a less than mind-bending velocity, i would appreciate some input as to the most effective type of canti/rim rubber interface.

I thank you in anticipation of your piss taking but most appreciated and valuable input

Re:

KoolStop Eagleclaw pads - come in various colors even, stop great! Fairly cheap too.

Any pad will do.

Cantilevers rely on setup, do it right and they work very well and will stop you as well as anything else within reason.

Personally the early 90's low pro stuff was a bit shit all round whereas the earlier was better due to the leverage available (Sheldon says it all better than I can). I prefer the older levers/ arms over low profile.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html

Wot E said.

If you are using low profile ones then run the pad as far out on the post as possible to get them to look as much like the diagram above. Also, there are V-style thin pads and holders available in post mount. Fit them as you don't get the horrible canti problem of the geometry and effectiveness changing with pad wear.

I agree with LGF that setup is most important, but some pads are definitely a lot better than others and depending on how they've been stored they can deteriorate over time too. I have some Shimano ones that were probably good 25 years ago, but have hardened and no longer perform (I probably still haven't thrown them out though) and also some Tektro ones that are new but are just crap. I really like the dual-compound Koolstops, but there are plenty of other good pads, like the Ritchey ones you can pick up very cheap:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232012462270

Koolstops I'd recommend but even back in the day Canti's were pretty cr@p whatever you did compared to decent V's. I still use an XTR V on the rear of mine and that is every bit effective as a 2 pot 160mm rear disc. Incredible modulation and stopping power.

Replaceable V Style post mounts and there are many different pads to choose from, just see what suits you and your rims.
keeping them clean help.

I like my low profile canti's and never had a problem with them, they work wonders*. Get Servo-Wave levers if it's not out of character for the bike.
search fro that style
and
http://www.discobrakes.com for a multitude of pad style (I have the triple compound jobs at the moment and like them, some people don't like them) I also use the standard plain pads as well.
Triple style, come in various colours and brands



Fro authentic usage.
Coolstop EagleII (or similar Ritchey but curved more, found on ebay cheap)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kool-stop-eagle ... f-inserts/
not sure why it says inserts.
or Fibrax SH298 (iirc) aka Azteks

*especially since you can always ram into the new modern bikes to aid stopping if needed ;-)