Several months ago I decided to upgrade the brakes on my
Blue Norcross SP cyclocross bike. I had been using cheapo
Nashbar cantilever brakes since I had them sitting around when I purchased the Norcross. They worked ok, but really didn't have the stopping power I wanted. After talking with Gary at
Cycle Masters I decided to get two sets of
Paul Touring Cantis. I know some would say that I should have put the
Neo Retro up front for better power, but I'm strange and like symmetry. I installed the brakes and promptly took the bike out for a spin. Well, I didn't feel much change from the Nashbar brakes, and fast downhills are downright scary. I have much more power braking from the top levers than from the Ergo levers. Aha, that right there is probably the problem. The pull from the
Campagnolo Ergo levers is different from
Shimano levers, which is what most people are set up with. I don't think I can fault Paul for the braking, or lack thereof, but rather the Campy levers.
Now I have a dilemma. After searching around, reading forums, and seeking information, I am leaning toward
TRP's CX8.4 linear brakes. Directly snagged from their website, "The CX8.4 features 84mm length arms designed to work seamlessly with SRAM and Campagnolo shifters." Well, that sounds promising and
Byron at Bike Hugger seems to like them. It is also a bonus that they are available in anodized blue to nicely match the bike.
For those who are using Paul brakes and enjoy them, I highly recommend picking up a set of
Hunter Nugz. In the photo below it is the little barrel adjuster on the release side of the brake. The added adjustment is awesome to have and eliminates the need for an inline barrel adjuster and they're only 25 bucks a pair.
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| Current setup with Paul brakes and Hunter Nugz |
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| TRP CX8.4 in svelte blue |
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