Canti straddle cables Type A or B

[bikeworkshop]

Shimano 2-piece Straddles avoid this risk, and ABCD refers to length.

The desired length is affected by brake arm shape, pad thickness, rim width, boss spacing and preferred "feel" at the lever.

 

[winjohn]

Shimano 2-piece Straddles avoid this risk, and ABCD refers to length.

The desired length is affected by brake arm shape, pad thickness, rim width, boss spacing and preferred "feel" at the lever.

Thanks what I was afraid of! I guess I will measure any that I have and try those for "feel". Cantis are really odd though, when they feel spongy they seem to work better than when they feel firm.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Thanks what I was afraid of! I guess I will measure any that I have and try those for "feel". Cantis are really odd though, when they feel spongy they seem to work better than when they feel firm.

They feel spongy when you've got more leverage - the lever moves further for a given movement of the brake pad.
This means when the pad is in contact with the rim, you can apply more pressure, and you've got more feel.
Too much though and the lever is coming back to the bar.

Hydraulic systems don't feel like this. You don't want a spongy feel with fluid, it would mean pad misalignment, air in the system or a bulging hose or seal

 

[LondonClassic]

https://www.chapmancycles.com/cantilevers/

Once you've done your PhD in cantis you can start dropping 'mechanical advantage' into casual conversation.