9 Best Cantilever Brakes to Explore the Ground beneath Their Feet
Are you tired of feeling like you're riding on thin ice every time you hit the brakes? It's time to explore the ground beneath your feet with the best cantilever brakes on the market.
Whether you're a mountain biker tackling rocky trails or a road warrior braving the elements, these brakes will give you the stopping power you need to ride with confidence.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to decide which cantilever brakes are worth the investment. That's where we come in. We've scoured the internet and tested out 9 of the top-rated options to bring you our picks for the best cantilever brakes.
So grab your helmet, pump up your tires, and get ready to dive into our review of the 9 best cantilever brakes to hit the market.
Top Cantilever Brakes
Surprising, isn’t it?
For lighter riding experience, the weight can make a big difference. That’s why professionals use the cantilever brakes. Yes, investing a few bucks on cantilever brakes can make magic.
Wondering what the best cantilever brakes are?
Don’t worry. Below you will find out some of the most exceptional cantilever brakes that will help you to be a show stopper.
Let’s get this show on the road.
Are Cantilever Brakes Good?
Cantilever brakes are a perfect tool for providing better sustain. Here are some benefits of it that are listed down below:
Discover 9 Best Cantilever Brakes That Will Take Your Breathe Away
Here are our reviews of 9 of the best cantilever brakes to whom Cyclo-cross rider rely on.
Looking for a set of brakes for a touring bike?
Then here you go.
Shimano cantilever brakes br-ct91 ensures optimum performance and longevity. The best part, you gonna get maximum safety.
Wow features of Shimano cantilever brakes BR-CT91
Why we love it?
Alloy brakes with a gorgeous polished silver finish, ideal for cyclocross, mountain, and even touring bikes. Original Shimano parts and accessories guarantee that all pieces work perfectly.
Sound’s impressive, isn’t it?
The installation of bicycle brakes is a literally of an art. If you don't get the process right, it can squeal and won’t stop effectively. So if you are a novice, make sure to watch a couple of installation videos first before you try.
But wait – there’s more!
These brakes are pretty easy to use and make a cool addition on the cyclocross bike. It's well worth comparing buying the Mtb cantilever brakes to get the best set up.
The good
The Bad
Imagine what it would be like when you got the freedom to adjust your arm from wide to narrow.
Sounds impressive, right?
These avid cantilever brakes allow you to enjoy that freedom to ride with pleasure. And if you own cyclo-cross, this Avid’s cantilever brake is just that. Undoubtedly, it’s hands down the finest ‘cross canti we’ve ever tested.
Wow features of avid ultimate cantilever brakes
Why we love it?
Let me say this straight:
At first experience, the performance of the gadget didn’t make an authentic impression. Instead, its prowess kind and made you realised just what actually Avid has developed.
So what am I talking about?
Braking with the new Avid Ultimate is not only powerful but also consistent and ensure better lever feel than any other brakes currently out there.
Now let’s talk about its design.
Made up with aluminum, this cantilever comes with post mount type — the new Ultimate’s feature set which nicely keeps pace with another brake on the market. Plus, the Shorty includes an in-line straddle adjuster, acclaimed SwissStop pads, and benchmark pad adjustability for alloy rims.
The good
The Bad
When the good brake isn’t good enough!
Shimano Altus cantilever-brake comes with such stunning features that gonna blow your mind. Stunning set of brakes, easy to install, and really solid construction makes it one of the hotcakes to cycle lover.
Wondering what so special about this brake?
Check out this Shimano Altus cantilever brakes review:
Wow features of Shimano Altus cantilever-brake br-ct91
Why we love it?
When it comes to a quality product for the cycle, Shimano is unbeatable. They never compromise about quality which makes it the most trusted brand in the bicycle industry.
Think I’m exaggerating?
Not really.
Fully-forged one-piece wheels are machined from a single aluminium forging to make a wheel that is exceptionally strong, extremely stiff, and very lightweight.
The result?
The strongest, stiffest, and lightest cantilever brakes possible. Like other Shimano a brake, this one also comes with Side mount brake pads for flexible pad replacement.
The good
The Bad
4. Avid Shorty Ultimate Front Cantilever Brake-The Ultimate Choice of Cantilever Brakes On Road Bike
These brakes are just killer!
The name says; the Avid Shorty Ultimate kit is just that. It’s literally adjustability, lightweight, and they surely got the stopping power of shorty brakes.
Want to know more about this impressive brake?
Let’s take a closer look.
Wow features of avid cantilever brakes
Why we love it?
Avid's cyclocross brake is beloved for the ultimate balance of control, power and weight. The Avid Shorty front Ultimate is designed with an in-line cable adjuster.
But wait – there’s more.
Aside from all of that, the arms themselves are nicely finished with excellent anodization, and they pivot through a bushing that places directly on the cantilever brake post.
Still not convinced?
The Avid Shorty Ultimate front Brake looks trick enough to work the mid-'90s CNC classic cottage industry proud. As the name suggests, They come as a set of front brakes and are available in Grey/Black or Black/red combination.
The good
The Bad
If you ride cyclocross, M-wave Ventura Cantilever Brakes will change the game; undoubtedly it's the finest ’cross cantilever-brake we've ridden, but still a canti brake.
Can this really be true?
This silver finishing, gorgeous looking brakes is a universal fit. Let’s get things underway:
Wow features of Ventura Alloy Cantilever Brakes
Why we love it?
Clearance is sufficient, as is the cantilever brake’s weight of 1 pound. Even the price is affordable.
What else?
The Ventura’s feature set keeps pace with another brake on the market. If you're looking for an old bike safely go back on the trail road or, this kit is a right choice. Certainly one can't beat the price.
Let’s not forget, some bikes come with the pinholes on the opposite side for spring tension adjustment. However, the springs in these can be swapped to accommodate this, yet the brakes work perfectly.
The good
The Bad
Yearn for a faster move?
The Sunlite Alloy Cantilever Brake is the kit you probably don’t want to miss if speed is your concern. Such an excellent cantilever design for road and Mountain touring!
No doubt about it!
Wow features of Sunlite Alloy Cantilever Brake
Why we love it?
Having more brake than need is usually a good thing. For cantilevers, in rough, dry conditions, the Sunlite Brake seems to have more than decent power, when it set in the narrow profile position.
What makes this so unique?
At about 95 mm, it’s way too long to get vital brake force on Old Mountain and touring bikes. Also, it seems to work great with a simple cross-wire between the brake arms. It includes a excellent link cable.
All in all, simple, nothing fancy. But totally gets the job done.
The good
The Bad
Give your cross bike more stopping power with this high-performance, lightweight Forte Cantilever Brakes.
Sounds good?
They're easy to adjust and install. The best part, cartridge pads make changed worn pads a cinch.
Wow features of Forte Cantilever Brakes
Why we love it?
They feature a vast range of clearance, so riders don’t have to panic about mud build-up while they are ripping it up on the course.
Astonishing, isn’t it?
This low profile design is suitable for both front and rear. Thanks to the Dual micro-tension adjusters. This single feature keeps it ahead from the rest of the other.
The result?
You can adjust the angle of your pads for flexible stopping power for the specific wheel and also can help to reduce brake chatter.
The good
The Bad
The beauty of the br-CX50 is that it has stunning stopping power. This makes the situation far less cluttered, and you gonna find enough space around everything.
Sound’s simple, and really it is!
Keep reading shimano br-cx50 review, and you’ll find out why to adore it so much.
Wow features of Shimano br-cx50
Why we love it?
As you can see, The SHIMANO CX50 brake comes with increased mud clearance along with a low profile design. As a result, it is perfect for all cyclocross events and flat-bar bike applications.
But that’s not all!
Shimano CX50 brake matches Super SLR drop levers, making these compatible with the Road STI levers. Meanwhile, the Low profile makes it lighter porting.
Apart from these, it comes with three sizes of pad spacers which depend upon the width needed. The spring-loaded adjusters perform really well. Altogether, the br-CX50 is a classy canti brake, certainly won’t disappoint you.
The good
The Bad
Lovely easy to adjust brakes! Look good, are light enough and Work well.
At this price ranges?
Unbelievable!
Maybe a little bit heavier, but These Tektro brakes cr720 are an excellent deal for them who want to check the waters in cyclocross.
Wow features of Tektro cr720 cantilever brakes
Why we love it?
These are great stuff for the price.
The powerful braking combined with the micro-tension adjusters gives you the best of both sectors, in this brake. Therefore, the setup is quick and easy, work well, and finish is stellar.
Let me say this straight:
The pads probably are not the best and don't really show what it is capable of. But undoubtedly, they are much simpler to set up than any other brakes currently available on the market.
Pads are kinda cheap and brake feels really good with the hard pads.
The good
The Bad
Cantilever Brakes Vs V Brakes
There are many discussions on v brakes vs cantilever brakes that don’t give accurate answers. However, we have done some research on this hot topic to give a perfect answer.
When it comes to choosing the right brakes for your bike, it can be tough to decide between cantilever and v brakes. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
First, let's start with cantilever brakes. These brakes are popular among mountain bikers thanks to their powerful stopping power and ability to handle rough terrain. They're also a good choice for those with larger tires or heavier loads, as they offer plenty of clearance for wider tires and can handle the extra weight.
However, cantilever brakes can be a bit finicky to set up and may require frequent adjustments to keep them running smoothly. They can also be prone to squealing, which can be annoying for both the rider and those around them.
On the other hand, v brakes are a popular choice for road bikes and commuters thanks to their lightweight design and low maintenance. They're also relatively easy to set up and adjust, making them a good choice for those who don't want to spend a lot of time tinkering with their brakes.
But v brakes don't offer quite as much stopping power as cantilever brakes, which can be a drawback for those tackling steep descents or rough terrain. They also tend to wear out more quickly than cantilever brakes, so you may find yourself needing to replace them more frequently.
So, which is the right choice for you? It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what you'll be using your brakes for. If you're a mountain biker tackling rough terrain and need maximum stopping power, cantilever brakes may be the way to go. But if you're a road warrior looking for a lightweight, low-maintenance option, v brakes may be the better choice.
The choice between cantilever and v brakes comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Types of Cantilever Brakes
Cantilever brakes have 3 types of brake to support protective stopping. And, these are wide profile, medium profile and low-profile brakes.
Wide Profile Brakes:
Wide profile is counted as more than 90-degree angle that gives better support to the brake. This style of brakes gives less powered benefits and requires more pressure on the brake bar to find better efficiency for diverting power.
Medium Profile Brakes:
Medium profile brakes are set up on about a 90-degree angle for finding level power option. This type of cantilever brake is being used in the 90s and 80s mountain bikes.
Low-Profile Breaks:
The low-profile brakes are designed below the 90-degree angle to find benefits on a quick pressing option. With this profile brake, you can press the brake smoothly for finding juts to the quick operator. This sort of brake has great features and higher risks for that reason you have to be careful to use it.
How to Adjust Cantilever Brakes?
Are your cantilever brakes feeling a bit wonky? Don't worry, it's likely just a simple adjustment away. In this section, we'll walk you through the steps on how to adjust cantilever brakes and get your bike back in top form.
First things first, you'll want to gather your tools. You'll need a 5mm Allen wrench, a cable cutter, and possibly a pair of pliers depending on the type of brake pads you have. You may also want to have some fresh brake pads on hand if yours are worn out.
Next, you'll want to loosen the brake cable by turning the barrel adjuster counterclockwise. This will give you some slack in the cable, making it easier to adjust.
Next, you'll want to adjust the brake pads. You'll want to make sure they're evenly spaced on either side of the rim and not too close or too far from the rim. You may need to use the pliers to squeeze the brake arms together or spread them apart to get the right spacing.
Once the brake pads are adjusted, you'll want to tighten the brake cable by turning the barrel adjuster clockwise. You'll want to make sure the brake pads are evenly spaced on either side of the rim and are making good contact with the rim when you squeeze the brake lever.
Finally, you'll want to test your brakes to make sure they're working properly. Take your bike out for a spin and make sure the brakes are applying evenly and bringing you to a smooth stop. If you're still having issues, you may need to repeat the adjustment process or consider replacing your brake pads.
Here’s the scary part:
Don’t expect to be perfect with adjustments in one try. You surely have to go for multiple tries before being used to the adjustments.
Best Cantilever Brakes Buying Guide
What Factors to Consider When Buying Cantilever Brakes
Believe it or not, there are lots of considerations before buying Cantilever brakes for daily usage. As some product comes with better quality and feature but is high in the price section. On the other hand, some product is affordable but lack in features.
Get it?
A novice gets confused on getting any product for giving them a short and simple solution; we find some factors to consider before buying Cantilever Brakes.
Let’s look at it in detail:
Budget is a big deal!
Let’s be honest; you’ll need a balanced budget to get any product, right? For that reason, you have to find a product that is good in value and perfect to adapt. You can get the cheap priced product, but it’ll give less support for maintenance.
Admit it!
So, we would like to suggest getting a pricey product that has many adjustable features even if you have to save money to get. Always try to make a perfect budget for getting a desirable outcome.
Now by the term pricey, we are not saying you should go for any expensive model that comes your way. Of course, be careful about the other features and facilities it provides. If the functioning and quality deserve the price tag it demands, surely make a deal. It’s not going to make you regret this way.
Does It Durable Enough?
Obviously, Cantilever brakes workings are essential for using it regularly. Therefore, you have to pick a product that has good durability for working with it quickly. Also, try to get a product that doesn’t stop working or break down easily after a few usages.
High Quality for Regular Using!
Like everything else, you have to pick a product that has excellent usability with its better quality. The product works well if the quality is ideal for using daily. Also, make sure to pick a product that has high-quality performance and suitable for long-term usage before buying any cantilever brakes.
Warranty matters!
Another thing to notice before getting any product is the manufacturer servicing. The simple truth is if you get a costly product that delivers broken or mistaken; this manufacture service will help you with finding a replacement. For that reason, we recommend you to buy a product that has better servicing.
How to Set Up Cantilever Brakes?
When you ride a bike with the Cantilever brakes, it needs to learn about the working of front brake. The simple truth is you’ll need a little practice in a safe area or a garage.
Choose an area where you can easily practice the braking after while riding on speed. A smooth surface spot is usually more preferable for such practices.
You have to put pressure on the front brake by working it without delay in getting the perfect technique of an expert. It’s going to need your multiple attempts to really grab the overall technique. But once you do, the efforts will become much easier.
Basically, most of the braking occurred while using the front brake harder for raising it off from the land. It will result in the bike back wheel to skid better. However, it would be better if using a bike with Cantilever brakes to practice braking while pedalling at once. This way, you are going to understand the overall movement even better.
Make sure to press brake but not clutching the bar for understanding usage of brake whether it requires or not. With regular practice, you can stop the ride with one press on the right time to hold it like a pro.
You can also check our another article the importance of maintaining your brakes click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs!)
1. Question: Are V brakes better than cantilever?
Answer: Let’s be honest, V brakes and Cantilevers brakes both are better in their own ways. V brakes usually provide better power efficiency and good supports. Cantilever brakes are most likely for giving better balance for riding in hilly places. Both brakes are great for road rushers to ride with full protection.
2. Question: How do you set up Tektro cantilever brakes?
Answer: Firstly, you have to release the secure bolt that is on the arm and tense up the levers barrel. After that, open the parts and remove both pads from the escalating position. You have to adjust the brake cable on both arms for pressing it up and down faster.
3. Question: What is a cantilever brake?
Answer: A Canister brake is made of a frame that has brake arm and cable on both sides to support the axle. It also helps to provide amazing braking technique with a little pressure it stops quickly with no tension of losing fuel.
4. Question: Are cantilever brakes short pull?
Answer: Of course, cantilever brakes are suitable for short pulls brake bar. It has the least control and power than a long pull brake bar. But, they work fantastic as the cable of short pull is attached for working quickly with safe gears.
5. Question: How do cantilever brakes work?
Answer: Actually, cantilever brakes are made for providing safe using to operate perfectly on mountain bikes. This type of brake basically sets across a cable angle to divert braking power into the wire to stop the ride at ease.
Wrapping up: Which cantilever brakes Caught Your Eye?
Due to a more extensive distance between the pads and mounts, cantilever brakes are preferred for bicycles that have wide tyres, for example, mountain bikes. Originally, cantilever brakes had kinda horizontal arms and designed for utmost clearance on cyclo-cross bicycles or touring.
Out of all of these nine best cantilever brakes, which one did we consider as our favourite?
So let’s get down to it:
1. Best Overall: Shimano cantilever brakes
"Most versatile kit for the money"
2. Runner up, Best value: Avid shorty ultimate cantilever brakes
“Great brakes for cross cycle for pro”
3. Best Budget: Sunlite Alloy Cantilever Brake
“A handy cantilever brakes that won’t break the bank”
The choice is yours!
So I’m ready for the next season. Are you?
Good luck and have fun.