Control Tech Cantilever

[sykkeltryne]

Hi

I got my hands on a nice set of Control Tech Cantilevers that seems to work very well. But I was just wondering in general what was the advantages / disadvantages of this system? From what I've read people seems pleased with the brakes - why did not this system catch on in the cantilever world?

Thanks

(picture for reference - grabbed from someone else)

 

[Retro Spud]

They're nice brakes ..but so many others were on the market at the same time with equally sculptured CNC machining from Grafton to Pauls, Kona offered a lower spec'ed design as OEM

at the end of they day they are Cantilever brakes with all the short comings of the design.

fit them, use them and enjoy safe in the knowledge no spotty teenager is going to take an allen key to them and rob yah next time you park up !



Kona Curve

 

[sykkeltryne]

Re:

Thanks for answering, but I was thinking more of the straddle wire spring design, not so much the cnc - haven't seen any other cantis with this design, and just wondered why.

PS: Should not have made this post, just managed to lose one of the straddle wire bolts/studs...

 

[TOMAS]

Re: Re:

Thanks for answering, but I was thinking more of the straddle wire spring design, not so much the cnc - haven't seen any other cantis with this design, and just wondered why.

PS: Should not have made this post, just managed to lose one of the straddle wire bolts/studs...

Looking at the design I guess it would be to help with modulation/feel of the brake? I'm guessing the straddle is SOLID WIRE yeah? Might have also help avoid metal fatigue? Normally modulation can be easily changed by adjusting how low or high you hang the straddle hanger on most canti brakes... lower gives for more flex/modulation, higher gives you more a solid feel...

 

[ferrus]

Re:

It's not really a great idea to use a solid wire for both the spring and straddle; my ex missus got through loads of them due to metal fatigue. At the time they were easily and cheaply replaced by the retailer, but I doubt you'd find spares now. On the other hand I still have my original set and can't recall ever snapping one, so perhaps it was due to her overzealous/nervy braking style!
They also have quite a strong return spring no matter how you set them up, so if you like a gentle resistance, this is pretty annoying. Adjustment of modulation is more limited by the design too.

They're good solid brakes though, probably a bit more powerful than most if not quite as nice in 'feel' as the best.

Incidentally, the ones in the pic' are the nicer fully CNC'd version - they also did a forged/part-machined one which doesn't look as crisp.

 

[pete_mcc]

Re: Control Tech Cantileve

The issue I had with them is that they only have a single tension strength in the spring. Normal canti brakes can have the tension wound up in the spring to increase the power to move the block away from the rim. This is especially important when you look at the rear brake where the cable runs through a lot more outer housing that increases the friction meaning higher tension is needed.

The control tech brakes are great when everything is new and the cables are fresh but suffer slightly when the cables get old and sticky. On the plus side they are lovely and light!