Best Non Aero levers and cantilevers

[Tommy27]

As above, looking for recommendations, doesn't have to be matching.

I do have some Mafac Canti's, which work well, but I don't like the difficulties with toe in and the fact you have to let the tyres down to get the wheel out.

Would consider say, Mafac Levers and Dia- Compe 980?

 

[pigman]

Unhook the straddle cable from the hooked caliper to get the wheel out

 

[non-fixie]

Classic, and much loved by contemporary racers from the Low Countries, was to combine MAFAC brakes with Universal levers.

Here's a certain Eddy Merckx, showing that combination on his "Peugeot":



Joop Zoetemelk, with the same combination:

 

[Tommy27]

Unhook the straddle cable from the hooked caliper to get the wheel out

They're on my missus bike right now, I'll have to go take a look

I know that seems the most obvious option, but there was something that stopped you easily doing that, but can't remember what?

 

[Tommy27]

https://www.cxmagazine.com/1975-cyclocross-world-champion-roger-de-vlaemincks-bike

Intresting because he's using Campag levers (though probably customised with more than just the engraving) and Mafac cantilevers.

 

[doctor-bond]

Best combo I have found is shimano 105 levers (SLR, sprung) with Dia Compe barrel caps mated to Tektro CR 720s which are a doddle to set up. If you have trouble removing wide tyres it's usually down to the pad holder hitting the fork. If you cut off the rear section of the holder and pad - leaving the screw part intact (5 min saw/dremmel job) it often gives enough leeway to get fat tyres out. You may only need to do this on one side. Unobtrusive aesthetically & it doesn't impact performance to any noticeable extent.

 

[pigman]

Best combo I have found is shimano 105 levers (SLR, sprung) with Dia Compe barrel caps mated to Tektro CR 720s which are a doddle to set up. If you have trouble removing wide tyres it's usually down to the pad holder hitting the fork. If you cut off the rear section of the holder and pad - leaving the screw part intact (5 min saw/dremmel job) it often gives enough leeway to get fat tyres out. You may only need to do this on one side. Unobtrusive aesthetically & it doesn't impact performance to any noticeable extent.

View attachment 899118

Nice scenery in the sun.
Better than this dreary low cloud that's been hanging for a bit

 

[LondonClassic]

I quite enjoy the roulette of bending Mafac pad holders with a pair of pliers. I'm sure the 60 year old aluminium loves it

Agree about the Tektro 720s - not made anymore though so NOS stocks are low most places. Dia Compe 980s look equally easy to set up.

 

[Midlife]

Shimano SLR (Shimano Linear Response) non aero levers are meant to be up among the best as mentioned above.

 

[KM22]

I’ve got some Dia Compe cantilever brakes for sale on cyclinguk forum. I seem to have just sold the mafac levers though. Let me know if you are interested.