good canti brakes?

[Reptilzs]

any good cantilever brakes out there? i have a set of the older avid shorty 4s and they squeel like mad. the pads are new and toed in. the toed pads help but when i squeeze for a hard stop they still scream. these brakes are on my cyclocross/touring bike. i want to fix this problem before i head out for tour this weekend. i have considered a disc setup but that is new brake/wheel/fork. i have already spent enough money outfiting this bike for tour alone. any tips and ideas appreciated.

[bikdav]

I have 2 sets of Shorty 6s and one set of Shorty 4s on my "fleet" of cyclocross bikes. Mine do that very same thing. I wouldn't be quick buy another set of cantilever brakes since "screaming and howling" is pretty common with most brands. Try continuing to experiment with toe in. When I reported my problem, I was told to stick a book of matches at the back of the pads to get good toe in. Apparently it worked, because the noise is now greatly reduced. You may never get completely rid of the noise. All you can hope for _ and very likely accomplish _ is a reduction in that "screaming and howling". BTW, don't feel that you're wasting money on experimenting with different pads. Sometimes that works also _ as I found out on one bike. Good luck.

[C.P.]

It's been a long while since I set up some Canti brakes. Toe in usually does the trick. Another idea to solve noisy cantis is if you're running cartridge pads, try swapping for a set of "solid" pads.
As far as Avid Cantis go, there are many reports of people complaining about their squeal problems, so it could be just an avid thing.
Another idea is to look for some old shimano cantis. An old acquaintance who was building up his bike for touring South America a few years back swore by an old set of Shimano XTR canti's for his setup. Try ebay for a used set of them.

[akahn]

These new wide profile ones from Tektro are supposed to be superb: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR307B00-Tektro+Cr720+Cantilever+Brake.aspx

They're very elegant as well.

[Slappy]

http://www.bikesomewhere.com/bikesomewhere.cfm/product/321/4445/22827?g=1

Try a set of Ritchey Logic pads...used to find them much quieter than most, also have molded-in toe-in nubs. My weapon of choice back in the canti days.