We have often criticised the moderate bite and fiddly mounting of cantilever brakes. With the "SCX-5" from Cane Creek, however, there was no reason to complain, at least in terms of braking performance. We rode the brake on three cross racing bikes and it braked significantly better than other stoppers of this type. If the cables are routed and adjusted correctly, the "SCX-5" is almost as easy to modulate as a classic rim brake. The grey cartridge brake pads from Kool-Stop are really good, their relatively soft compound is convincing in dry conditions and does not drop dramatically in the wet. Another advantage: unlike many other cantilever-compatible pads, they do not tear aluminium shavings out of the brake track. Only mounting and adjustment are still not state of the art due to the design. The "SCX-5" weighs 160 grams per unit (without cross-pull) and costs 35.90 euros. The complete set for front and rear costs 69.90 euros.
PLUS: High-quality design with stainless steel screws; good coverings
MINUS: Time-consuming assembly
Info: Cosmic Sports; Tel. 09 11/3 10 75 50; www.cosmicsports.de
(Photo: Daniel Simon)
