[mars_yeldir]

I have Avid Shorty 4 brakes on the cross bike. That thing won't stop worth a crap. It is ok most of the time, but on these gravel roads around here these brakes are killing my hands. On a 15% bumpy bumpy descent the hands are already heavily pressing into the hoods and when you squeeze the snot out of these brakes it will kill your hands. I have had to stop in mid descent before just to get my hands working right so I could hold on. Are these typical, good, or bad canti brakes? What would be a good set to get if I need stronger ones? Thanks.

[Industry_Hack]

If they are adjusted correctly and not working, swap your pads. You may just need a softer compound. Salmon Kool-Stop pads are supposed to be the hot ticket.

[mars_yeldir]

Cool. Should be cheap enough to try out. Thanks!

[Industry_Hack]

I've seen multi-compound pads too. No info on them, but look interesting. Some have a rubber squeegee to clean the rim as well, which could help too.

[superj]

My cantilever brakes and v-brakes stop like disc brakes. I can lock the tires up without squeezing the lever to the grips so yours must need some adjusting or something

[HillDancer]

Originally Posted by mars_yeldir

...won't stop worth a crap...typical, good, or bad canti brakes? What would be a good set to get if I need stronger ones?...

First off are you using road controls or MTB? If using MTB levers with cantis then that's a major flaw. However, poor performance compared to any other type of rim brake is typical of cantilever brakes. Try mini-V brakes, they have much better leverage and will work with road pull levers. Can be had for cheap http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=48336&category=34 up to expensive http://www.paulcomp.com/minimoto.html

If you are using MTB brake levers you will need regular V-brakes.

[davereo]

You can also check these brakes out available from Amazon.

http://tinyurl.com/avubz7g

I also copied this note from the review someone posted. I thought it was good information if you do swap.

"Addtional items you need to purchase if moving from a standard canti setup:
10mm spacer (to replace the cable hanger in the headset stack)
Jagwire v-brake noodle w/barrel adjuster"

[mars_yeldir]

I have a typical cyclocross setup with SRAM Rival shifters. Avid shorty 4 brakes. LBS said Avid Ultimates or Paul's would be better but to try better pads first like Hack suggested. I also need to practice getting in the drops to get better leverage but on these steep gravel road hills with gravel like marbles that is a challenge.

[HillDancer]

Originally Posted by mars_yeldir

...the hands are already heavily pressing into the hoods ...

Pad compound and my poor opinion of cantilever brakes aside, that symptom alone points to a lever mismatch, or straddle wire too long (for a low profile canti), or both. Your could shorten the straddle wire and see if that provides improved leverage when the lever is near its limit.

[kneedrachen]

Knowing Mars like I do, I think he's trying to get someone to say "Well, if you really want to be safe, you should get a new bike" so he has some ammo to approach his CFO with.....