WTD: Cross Brakes

[Quentin]

I want to upgrade my cross brakes to something with more stopping power.

I want to keep the brakes under $200 (preferably under $150), which brakes should I get?

Does anyone have a gently used set brakes for sale? Or baring that does anyone know of any good deals in store or online?

[Lister Farrar]

Tried Koolstop pads in your existing brakes? They seem to make a difference. Easy on rims.

Not sure there is a good upgrade for brakes though, unless you have an older set with little pad adjustability. Fashionable brakes from the cross world not too long ago had horrible adjustability.

Geoff and Brad have had luck with mini-v brakes. I haven't tried them.

I was in a leading local bike shop today, and asked the head mechanic there what his favorite cross brakes were. He said he didn't have any. I think he's waiting for road hydraulic discs. Avid Ultimates are popular. So are trps. But having just set up four sets, I think Tektro Oryx are hard to beat for value and ease of set-up. The integrated straddle cable is just so much easier than the straddle cable with cradles. Upgrade the pads tho.

And save for a disc bike. Rims will last forever in winter then too.

[sylvan]

Cross brakes and stopping power are mutually exclusive. Just learn how to fall and you'll be good.

[Lister Farrar]

Tried Koolstop pads in your existing brakes? They seem to make a difference. Easy on rims.

Not sure there is a good upgrade for brakes though, unless you have an older set with little pad adjustability. Fashionable brakes from the cross world not too long ago had horrible adjustability.

Geoff and Brad have had luck with mini-v brakes. I haven't tried them.

I was in a leading local bike shop today, and asked the head mechanic there what his favorite cross brakes were. He said he didn't have any. I think he's waiting for road hydraulic discs. Avid Ultimates are popular. So are trps. But having just set up four sets, I think Tektro Oryx are hard to beat for value and ease of set-up. The integrated straddle cable is just so much easier than the straddle cable with cradles. Upgrade the pads tho.

And save for a disc bike. Rims will last forever in winter then too.

Rode last night in dry conditions on stock Tektro Oryx cheapie pads. Surprised how good the braking was even from the hoods on bumpy descents. My hands are fairly big though. Haven't tried them wet yet.