Cantilever brakes are a type of braking system with two brake arms mounted on either side of the bike’s fork or frame. They deliver decent stopping power with good control, though they require precise setup for optimal performance. Cantilever brakes work well with various bike geometries.
The best cantilever brakes are the Tektro 855AL Linear Pull Brake and the SHIMANO Mountain V-Brake. The Tektro 855AL has a linear-pull (V-brake) model that provides good stopping power and modulation. The Shimano brakes have straightforward pad adjustments that make it easier to customize the position of your brakes.
In this article, I will discuss the best cantilever brake options, which are straightforward in design and lightweight in construction.
Best Cantilever Brakes for Bicycles
- Avid Shorty Ultimate Front Cantilever Brake (High End)
- SHIMANO Mountain Bicycle V-Brake
- TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set
- Tektro 855AL Linear Pull Brake (Top Pick)
- Paul Neo-Retro Bicycle Cantilever Brake Set
Compare Top Cantilever Brakes
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Avid Shorty Ultimate Front Cantilever | 83 |  Quick-release arm slots and in-line barrel adjustment | Check Out On Amazon |
 SHIMANO Mountain Bicycle V-Brake | 86 | Flexible adjustment screws and powerful retract springs | Check Out On Amazon |
 TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross | 80 | Budget-friendly without compromising on basic functionality | Check Out On Amazon |
 Tektro 855AL Linear Pull | 90 |  Cold-forged aluminum construction ensures long-term reliability | Check Out On Amazon |
 Paul Neo-Retro Bicycle Cantilever | 78 | Durable brakes that are constructed from a machined alloy | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Cantilever Brakes
In the following section, we go through different models based on thorough research and testing.
This is followed by an even more comprehensive buying guide of the most important considerations to make when looking for such a product.
1. Avid Shorty Ultimate Front Cantilever Brake
Overall Score: 83
What sets the Avid Shorty Ultimate apart is the fact that they aren’t only fully adjustable but they’re really easy to set up as well.
They’re well balanced when it comes to weight, control, and power which your options with these brakes include a narrow and pre-set wide stance.
The narrow stance is the way to go if power is what you’re after. That’s because the narrow stance is the ultimate defense against muddy conditions, and it works no matter how extreme the mud is.
This cantilever brake’s design is based on the use of traditional cartridges. These are easy to replace when necessary and you can adjust the flexible brakes just as easily.
This brake also contains quick-release arm slots in addition to an in-line barrel adjustment that allows you to adjust cable tension with ease.
It’s important to note that when the stock pads are attached to these brakes that they weigh about 115g each. This makes for a lightweight and smooth riding experience overall.
Advantages
- Easy to use.
- Super reliable.
- Easy to adjust.
- Offers incredible stopping power.
- It can handle a lot of weight.
- Easy to install.
- Constructed from durable aluminum.
Disadvantages
- The narrow and wide stance are as different as night and day.
2. SHIMANO Mountain Bicycle V-Brake
Overall Score: 86
The best cantilever brakes for touring bike, Shimano’s V-brake is super light, coming in at just three pounds and yet it’s known for offering 5-star performance power.
These brakes are easy to fit and you’ll find that they enable you to effortlessly lock up the back wheel of your bike faster than ever.
Other features worth noting on these brakes are the flexible adjustment screws and powerful retract springs that prevent the brakes from rubbing up against the wheel.
The Shimano Mountain brakes come with straightforward pad adjustments as well which as you’ll soon find out, make it that much easier to tighten and customize the position of your brakes.
Advantages
- Adjustable and customizable.
- Easy to install.
- Versatile.
- 107mm arch.
- Great design.
Disadvantages
- There’s no hex nut or Allen’s head to facilitate the brake pad adjustment on these brakes.
3. TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever Bike Brake Set
Overall Score: 80
Considered by many to be the best cantilever brakes for cyclocross, the TEKTRO Oryx 992AG Cyclocross Cantilever brake set is designed to fit on both the back and front wheels of your bicycle.
They are well-regarded for their simple setup and durability, offering consistent braking performance in various conditions.
The spring tension adjusters on each arm allow for easy centering and customization of feel, making them user-friendly for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
These brakes feature sturdy forged aluminum arms, which provide a good balance of strength and weight.
While their braking power is sufficient for most uses, they may lack the sharp modulation and stopping force of higher-end or disc brake systems, especially in wet or muddy cyclocross conditions.
Advantages
- Budget-friendly without compromising on basic functionality.
- Forged aluminum arms provide longevity and strength.
- Spring tension adjusters make centering and fine-tuning straightforward.
- Fits a variety of bikes, including cyclocross, touring, and commuting models.
- Suitable for wider tires and muddy conditions.
Disadvantages
- Lacks the strong stopping force of disc brakes or higher-end cantilevers.
4. Tektro 855AL Linear Pull Brake
Overall Score: 90
It’s important to ensure that the brakes that you choose offer great value for money and these brakes from TEKTRO certainly tick that particular box.
The Tektro 855AL Linear Pull Brake is a reliable and affordable option for riders seeking straightforward braking performance on mountain bikes, hybrids, or other flat-bar bikes.
Designed with cold-forged aluminum arms, it offers a strong and durable construction that balances lightweight design with robust performance.
This linear-pull (V-brake) model provides good stopping power and modulation, making it suitable for a range of riding conditions, from urban commuting to light trail use.
While it performs well in dry conditions, braking efficiency may decrease in wet or muddy environments compared to disc brakes.
Advantages
- Cost-effective option for casual riders or budget builds.
- Cold-forged aluminum construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Ease of Maintenance, simple design and easy-to-replace brake pads.
- Fits most flat-bar bikes with traditional V-brake mounts.
- Solid stopping performance for urban and mild trail riding.
Disadvantages
- Braking power may be reduced in wet, muddy, or steep downhill conditions.
5. Paul Neo-Retro Bicycle Cantilever Brake Set
Overall Score: 78
If you’re looking for touring cantilever brakes then look no further than this brake set from Paul Neo-Retro. This brand is all about helping bikers to reach new frontiers.
As such, they’ve designed a set of brakes that’s just perfect for tacking mud and dirt.
These durable brakes are constructed from a machined alloy which offers impressive performance and is long-lasting.
These brakes won’t let you down in muddy conditions where you have to go through a lot of muck, because they’re fitted with O-ring sealed pivots.
This means that your brake will be protected from most of the backsplash and thus easier to clean and maintain.
The same feature can be utilized to adjust the brakes’ spring tension through an easy and simple process.
We can’t recommend these brakes enough thanks to their impressive stopping power which will give you peace of mind knowing that you can stop your bicycle at any time and it’ll follow your command.
Advantages
- Incredible stopping power.
- The spring tension can be individually adjusted.
- Features O-ring sealed pivots.
- Constructed from durable alloy.
- Well protected from mud and muck.
Disadvantages
- You need to buy them in pairs, which can be costly.
- These brakes are hard to install disc brakes or higher-end cantilevers.
How to Get the Best Cantilever Brakes
Now that you know what the best bicycle cantilever brakes are, our next port of call is to investigate the important factors that you need to consider when looking for brakes.
You’re going to want brakes that allow you to safely ride through different types of terrains and weather conditions, including muddy and mucky terrain.
The brakes should also meet your preferences and the needs of your bicycle. The point is to ensure that you end up with good quality brakes that meet your requirements and will last for many years to come.
Performance
Another important feature to consider when shopping for cyclocross cantilever brakes is their stopping power and level of performance.
This means that the brakes should make it easier for you to maneuver different environments with relative ease while ensuring safety.
The stopping power of your brakes will determine how comfortable and safe you feel while riding your bicycle out there so it’s an absolutely essential consideration to determine if the brakes are worth it.
Durability
Durability is very important when it comes to brakes because it determines their longevity. How do you know that the brakes that you’re considering are hardy and made to last?
Well, first of all, you must check what kinds of materials they’re made from as this will determine their performance over time and whether or not they’re worth the investment.
Warranty
High-quality brakes always come with a generous warranty policy because the companies behind them are confident about their product.
The general rule of thumb is to look out for a warranty of at least two years as that’s a good indication of the brake’s long-lasting quality.
Price
As with any purchase, it’s a good idea to establish a budget before you go out shopping for avid cantilever brakes.
The good news is that brakes come in all types of different price ranges and designs. However, features and construction are what determine the price of your brakes.
Either way, establish a budget based on your needs and preferences and it shouldn’t be hard to stick to it.
Types of Cantilever Brakes
Some of the best cantilever brakes include the following types:
Low Profile
Low profile brakes have a design that’s below 90 degrees.
These brakes are great because they don’t stick out but poor installation can lead to injuries when traversing through certain terrain, especially if going downhill.
Medium Profile
Medium profile brakes have a 90-degree angle design and are very popular with bikers that ride 80s and 90s mountain bikes.
Wide Profile
Wide profile brakes have a unique design that’s characterized by a 90-degree angle shape.
However, these brakes are also known for requiring brake levers that have powerful mechanical benefits.
Benefits of Cantilever Brakes
Do you want to find out why you should invest in these brakes?
Perhaps you should consider the fact that installing cantilever brakes offers the following benefits:
They Are Very Safe
Cantilever brakes are also known as one of the safest additions to your bicycle, especially if you intend to take it on different adventures.
That’s because these brakes offer better stopping power than regular traditional brakes even if you’re riding through rain or mud. They’ll bring your bike to a stop immediately.
Work Very Good for Hill Riding
A vast majority of brakes simply fail when it comes to going downhill which is why it’s important to install brakes that are powerful enough to guarantee safety when performing this relatively dangerous act.
That’s because these brakes are made to handle steep terrain and rough conditions such as mud.
Last for a Long Time
The longer you own your bicycle, the more you have to invest in the maintenance and part of that maintenance includes replacing certain components such as its brakes.
The good news about these brakes is that they don’t require nearly any maintenance and you won’t have to replace them for many years after you’ve brought them.
Most of them can last for several years without giving you any problems and they don’t disappoint when it comes to performance throughout that whole time.
Very Easy to Use
Although you may have bought your BMX bike to alleviate the hassle and time spent in traffic, you’d be surprised at how difficult it can be to maneuver through traffic if your bicycle doesn’t have the right type of brakes.
Again, cantilever brakes save the day by making it easier to navigate traffic.
Don’t Cost a Lot
Most people don’t realize this but these brakes are actually very affordable, despite the fact that they’re durable and long-lasting.
Even if you’re on a budget, you can afford to buy good quality brakes. The most important thing is that you purchase the brakes from a reliable and well-known brand.
How to Adjust Cantilever Bike Brakes
You’re excited about buying your brakes and you know that it’ll be easy to install them since they come with the tools and installation guide that you need to get the job done.
But, how do you adjust them when the time comes for you to do that? Well, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to find out how you can adjust brakes using a 10-millimeter open-end wrench, a strip of sandpaper, a cable puller, and a 5-millimeter Allen key.
Tighten the Levers
The first thing you need to do when adjusting your brakes is to undo the clamp in order to automatically align the levers.
This helps to align the angle of the arms as you pedal your bike through town. From there, you’ll need to tighten the clamp.
For those with small hands, it can be challenging to reach the levers so it might be a good idea to try and get them closer to one another by getting them tighter and closer to the adjustment screw on the internal part of the levers.
Inspect the Wheel Center
Make sure that your bike wheels are situated in the center of the frame. This will determine how the best cantilever brake pads are positioned.
Make sure that you’ve tightened the axle as well particularly in the dropouts. Lastly, check the dish to ensure that the wheel is perfectly positioned in the center of the frame.
Install Brake Pads
At this point, you’re ready to unfasten the brake arm bolt and then proceed to tighten the barrel adjuster of the lever.
From here, undo the brake pads and remove them from the mounting position to make sure that they’re not worn out.
The pads should be free of any mental pointing or else you might need to replace them. If they’re fine then you should get some sandpaper to resurface them with.
Once you’ve removed the brake pads adjust the cable until you’re sure that the brake arms are properly positioned in a parallel stance before you fasten them.
You want the front of the brake pads to touch the rim when the time comes for you to actually pull the brakes, so it’s very important to install them properly
Looking for the best brake pads for your bike? Check out my guide on the Best Bike Brake Pads, where you’ll find top-quality options that deliver strong, consistent stopping power.
Tighten the Cable
You’re not ready to adjust the brake arm’s cable tension which you can do by tightening the cable and fixing it.
Center the Adjustments
You can center adjustments by switching spring tension to the other side by using the screw located on the left brake arm.
The Tektro 855AL Is Easy Maintenance and Has Tool-Free Adjustment to Simplify Pad Alignment and Fine-Tuning….
Our cantilever brakes review has officially come to an end. So, what’s the verdict? What are the best cantilever brakes on this list?
The Tektro 855AL Linear Pull Brake stand out for us because they’re made from durable aluminum, they’re easy to install and use and they offer reliable stopping power to ensure safety on the road.
Not only are they reliable, but these brakes are easy to adjust and they’re accessible as well.