THE BRAKES
In the first part of My Dream Build I considered a variety of frames, but choosing one came down to deciding which frame-specific type of brakes I wished to use. After much contemplation, I finally made my choice to stick with rim brakes!
For the most part, new frames are designed for use with disc brakes and for many cyclists today, it would seem ridiculous to choose what are often referred to as "antiquted technology". However, I'm pretty much old skool... I don't like disc brakes and all that they involve, so I don't want'em. I like the simplicity of rim brakes. Plus, I just like the look of'em. I know my options are getting slim, but I found some new components still worthy of consideration.
Additionally, when choosing a frame, not only did I need to consider the type of brakes, but also the manufacturer's location. Several top brands/models were ruled out from my previous list due to the added cost of shipping and VAT. (Rivendell doesn't even ship overseas. To review the full list of frames I considered, see; My Dream Build: Part 1 - The Frame.)
Additionally, when choosing a frame, not only did I need to consider the type of brakes, but also the manufacturer's location. Several top brands/models were ruled out from my previous list due to the added cost of shipping and VAT. (Rivendell doesn't even ship overseas. To review the full list of frames I considered, see; My Dream Build: Part 1 - The Frame.)
The Frame
Following a lengthy debate in my mind since the last issue, the frame I've chosen is the Spa Cycles: Titanium Touring. It's not the cheapest, but for a titanium frame, you just can't beat the price. It's tig-welded with a relaxed touring geopmetry. Plus, it's by a trusted brand; Spa Cycles (the very same shop where I bought my Dawes).
FIRST CHOICE
Brand: Spa Cycles
Perhaps the most practical (and sexy!) touring frame available in the UK today. Loads of mounts and lugged fork included (not shown).
My second choice is a strong contender; the Brother: Mr. Wooden. I love the look of it, the geometry is well-developed for touring and it too is tig-welded. The price lists at an very reasonable £699. Honestly, It's a tough call between the two.
Brand: Brother
A fairly new UK brand with an amazing neo-retro Cro-moly steel frame. Plenty of mounts and details, plus the price is fantastic!
Brake Calipers
Now that I made the decision to go with rim brakes, the various types of rim brakes had to be explored. In the end, I decided on cantilever brakes. This type of brake caliper requires studs to be welded to the rear seat stays and front forks during the frame/fork manufacturing and were originally intended to maximize clearance on touring and/or cyclo-cross bikes. When mountain bikes became popular, cantilever brakes were adopted for these types of bikes as well.
I've been using this style of brakes for decades and on several different bikes. Despite what is often claimed, I find them easy to adjust and maintain. They are reliable and provide all the stopping power I have ever needed. (For a full description of the pros and cons of disc brakes, see: Rene Hearse - Disc Brake Pros and Cons. He outlines everything far better than I could ever hope to describe.)
As I mentioned earlier, because disc brakes have become De facto with most bikes these days, the choices for cantilever brakes are getting slimmer. Below are the main models/brands of cantilever brakes which I have considered and are still available.
I've been using this style of brakes for decades and on several different bikes. Despite what is often claimed, I find them easy to adjust and maintain. They are reliable and provide all the stopping power I have ever needed. (For a full description of the pros and cons of disc brakes, see: Rene Hearse - Disc Brake Pros and Cons. He outlines everything far better than I could ever hope to describe.)
As I mentioned earlier, because disc brakes have become De facto with most bikes these days, the choices for cantilever brakes are getting slimmer. Below are the main models/brands of cantilever brakes which I have considered and are still available.
FIRST CHOICE
Shorty Ultimate
Available in pre-set wide or narrow stance for greater power or increased mud clearance. Expensive.
Shown below are some of the other brands/models I considered. To see a thorough list of other makes and models see: SJS Cycles - Cantilever Brakes.
Touring Cantilever Short-Pull Rim Brake
The Rolls Royce of brake calipers. Hand-made in the USA. and very expensive!
Oryx 992A Cyclocross
Very reasonably priced and trusted brand/model. (Note: I currently have a set of these on a bike...)
BR-CX50 Cantilever
Reasonably priced and trusted brand/model.
Brake Pads/Blocks
The one and only choice. I've been using them for a few years now and nothing protects your rims better while providing excellent stopping power.
FIRST CHOICE
Dura 2 Replacement Brake Pads (salmon)
Swap out the factory blocks for these immediately. A little pricey, but worth every penny.
Brake Levers
Most often cantilever brake calipers are used on bikes having straight or "upright" handlebars, but because because I plan to use them with "drop handlebars", these require specific "long-reach" levers. And of course, these too have a limited selection of brands/models. Of the two brands shown below, I have used both and both are excellent.
FIRST CHOICE
RRL Road Drop Bar Brake Levers
Perhaps the best looking set of "neo-retro" levers on the market. I've used'em and love'em.
Classique Sport Drop Road Brake Levers
Currently using a set of these on my Dawes. Great feel and look fantastic.
Coming next... Part 3: The Drive Train
This is going to be a tough set of considerations. There are so many variables and choices to be made. I can rule out electronic shifting immediately (a ridiculous bit of engineering for my tastes), as well as any system relying up "brifters" (combining brake and shifting levers).
I want bar-end shifters, period. Whether they are to be 9 or 10 speed will have to be considered. Then, I'll next have to consider cranksets, cassettes, and derailleurs. There are several groupsets I want to investigate, so that will be the premise of my next installment in Part Three.
If you've made it this far, thanks for your patience. Be sure to check back for Part 3 coming in early 2025.
I want bar-end shifters, period. Whether they are to be 9 or 10 speed will have to be considered. Then, I'll next have to consider cranksets, cassettes, and derailleurs. There are several groupsets I want to investigate, so that will be the premise of my next installment in Part Three.
If you've made it this far, thanks for your patience. Be sure to check back for Part 3 coming in early 2025.
