[Closed] cantilevers - why do they still exist?

That's your analysis based on your extensive knowledge of engineering, elf?

No, it's based on my experience of riding bicycles over 30 years, with all the aforementioned braking systems. I spose I cooduv included coaster, drum and rod brakes too, but I din't think there was much point as they are truly crap.

I'm sure some [s]boring engineering geek[/s] clever soul is going to come along and tell me how rong I am but I won't be bothered because I will be safe in the knowledge that I am in fact right. 🙂

where do hydraulic rim brakes come in that order, and why are they still popular with trials.riders?

Only if you believe that the only point of comparison is just before the tyres lose traction.

Not arguing anything about the tyres losing traction. However if you're interested in best stopping distances, then the only point of comparison is ability to rolling endo. I can quite happily do that on a road bike with calipers, hence it would be impossible for a disc brake to stop me any faster. Unless of course you're suggesting that disc brakes circumvent the normal laws of physics (they would join an illustrious line of bike components).

cynic-al - Member
And your drum brakes aren't heavier?

Sure they're heavier and they are not as powerful as disks - which is why I only push them with tongue firmly in cheek.

However, they do have some advantages. I'll now bore you with them 🙂

Reliable, no squealing, no rubbing (the wheel will keep spinning like a good track wheel), and with the weight at the centre of the wheel it's not really noticeable. Like BB7s and cantis quality cables make a difference.

I think their main advantage is for self-supported solo endurance rides.

So why am I trying these odd brakes? My first Puffer was done on V-brakes and it almost wore out a rear rim (yeah, I know, don't drag the brakes) so I changed to disks, and then in another Puffer I had to stop riding because I ran out of pads just before dawn and I had already lost a lot of time changing them previously (brain dead moron with sausage fingers in subzero in the wee sma' hours).

I've done a muddy Puffer with drums f&r and at the end of it they were barely worn. I would probably have had to change my disk pads a couple of times in that race - time better spent riding or resting. They were on a par with V-brakes IMO. They were 70mm drums, but there's now 90mm versions readily available, and they are much better for mtb use (still not disk power though).

(When you travel at my race pace, you can't afford to lose time doing preventable repairs 🙂 )

No, it's based on my experience of riding bicycles over 30 years, with all the aforementioned braking systems. I spose I cooduv included coaster, drum and rod brakes too

I'm (almost) impressed - you've actually ridden a bike with rod brakes?

Though can I just check what road bikes are included in your 30 year experience?

I agree, you can endo with rim brakes

But discs are far more capable at speed.
From 30mph the disc is going to be way better until the speed gets down somewhat then the difference will narrow

I have V brakes on my lovely nickel plated Tange Prestige bike, but then I don't have one of those squishy forks either........just lovely Columbus straight tapered..like the Independent fabrication ones.

I guess I am just a silly old bugger who just likes ragging it like everyone else and after 60 years of cycling just like things to be simple!

But discs are far more capable at speed.

So you can endo with rim brakes, but you couldn't endo with them at speed? 🙄

uplink - Member
I agree, you can endo with rim brakes

But discs are far more capable at speed.
From 30mph the disc is going to be way better until the speed gets down somewhat then the difference will narrow

This.

So you can't endo when doing 30mph with a caliper, druidh?

I'm (almost) impressed - you've actually ridden a bike with rod brakes?
Though can I just check what road bikes are included in your 30 year experience?

My first 'non kids bike' had rod brakes. I've ridden all sorts of 'road' bikes. With all manner of braking systems. I'm amused that you're 'impressed'; why, d'you not think I've much experience of riding bikes or something?