asked by: a guest Are these Spring-Pinless, Soma sent me a frame with the 3-Pin mounts off level to even out
A.
anwered by: canteau The tension spring in the IRD Cafam 2 Cantilever brakes is contained within the body of the brake. They will work just fine on frames that have 3 spring tension holes.
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asked by: a guest Is there a difference between front and rear brakes, or should I order two of the same?
A.
anwered by: bkearns You can order two of the same. The brakes come with pads in the box, but they are not installed so you'll install them directionally before you put the brakes on the bike.
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I bought the IRD Cafams based on a friend's high recommendation and have pleased with just about every aspect of them. They installed super easily with minimal adjustment needed and the construction feels top-notch. The stopping power is great; feels just as solid as v-brakes. The included salmon pads and holders are awesome, too. Not having to swap out crumby brake pads is a major bonus.
My only complaint is this: I prefer an adjustable straddle cable, and these come supplied with the fixed-position "button" variety. The buttons can block rack and light mounts on some forks, and provide less tire/fender clearance. No big deal though, I set the included straddles aside, used my preferred type (Jagwire), and I'm completely satisfied.
Summed up: Excellent brakes with nice pads/holders, super value. Maybe use different straddle cables.
Yes, I would recomend this to a friend.
Likes: Good Stopping Power, Stiff
Works for: Touring, Cyclocross, Commuting
Dislikes: None
3
June 27, 2010
reviewed by: adamdoesit
These are some well-made budget-ish cantis. Unlike classic cantilever brakes, they use low-hassle threaded posts, and a fixed-width straddle cable. They're easy to set up, and even come with the nicety of an extra spring. Be warned, though, that, unless your bike is fitted with contemporary wide-set canti posts, you won't be able to fit them around the rim, never getting the pads between the fork blades. This is a different fit problem than the potential for interference between the brakes' long arms and pannier racks noted in the previous review. Sadly, they're just too wide for many older frames. (Tried and failed: '83 Trek 620 tourer.)
Summed up: Wide cantis for contemporary bikes; classic frames need not apply.
Yes, I would recomend this to a friend.
5
April 15, 2013
reviewed by: A Guest
Great cantilever brakes, much better stopping power that the Tektros I replaced. Only negative is the fixed straddle wire, not near wide enough on my bike. Used the ones off the Tektros and they work fine.
Works for: Commuting, Cyclocross, Touring, Long Distance
5
May 26, 2010
reviewed by: lifebybike
The stopping power on these brakes is incredible! This was an upgrade from Avid Shorty 6s and I can really feel the power. If using with panniers be aware that the large brake span in the rear may interfere with braking action so test first. If it works buy them!