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Written by Alan Starrett (Big Al)
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Tuesday, 20 September 2005 |
Cantilever brake setup has become a lost technical skill saved only by the cyclocross bike. Thanks to the UCI, disc brakes are not legal for use in sanctioned cyclocross races leaving us the with the classic cantilever brakes as the best stopping option. One of the most useful innovations to help with canti set up is the extra wide cable hanger.
With standard style canti brakes, like the Avid Shortys, in order to get positive power and modulation you would have to set the pads up very close to the rims. This is fine for dry days when mud is not a concern, but lets face it Cross is all about the bad weather and getting dirty.
In search of a solution we cane across the Salsa Extra Wide canti hanger. At 50mm wide this hanger looks like nothing we had ever seen. The concept is spot on, pulling more cable is going to change the brake setup, modulation, and power.
 | | click to enlarge |
The first noticeable difference with the Salsa hanger is in the setup. We were able to set the hanger much closer to the tire, even with the Mafac style brakes. While in setup terms this may sound trivial dealing with a shorter cable is easier than setting your cable hanger 4 inches off the tire. Also in theory there will be less flex - stretch with a shorter cable.
By pulling more cable you are able to space the pads away from the rim with no loss of power and modulation. The brake setup in the above picture shows the hanger set up with Paul Neo Retro canti brakes. With this setup we where able to get a quarter inch pad to rim clearance with a firm feel at the brake lever.
The real proof is in the ride. Several of our Team Bikeman riders rode with the Salsa Hangers last season and had nothing but good things to say. There were no reports of the levers bottoming out leaving you brakeless on a scetchy off camber decent. The brakes ramp up better and have a firm feel at the lever. A great choice for the cross fanatic or canti brake retro grouch |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 27 January 2006 )
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; "click to enlarge")
