5
9.5 Characteristics of cantilever brakes
Cyclo cross bikes are usually equipped with
cantilever brakes with a few special features
in the brake system. Additional brake levers
are mounted to the handlebars so that you
can brake safely even in tricky terrain while
riding securely with your hands on the upper
part of the handlebar. These brake levers can
be used on an equal footing with the other
road bike brake levers. It is impossible to
simultaneously actuate both brake levers of
one brake.
As the usual side-pull brakes can get clogged
up with dirt and mud under the conditions of
a cyclo cross ride, these bikes are equipped
with cantilever brakes which leave more
space for the tire, thus avoiding a pading of
the tire.
9.5. Functional check
As with all rim brakes, the brake pads must
be aligned accurately with the rims and be
sufficiently thick.
Furthermore, the brake pads should touch the
rim with their front part first. At the moment
of the first contact, the rear part should be a
millimetre away from the rim. Viewed from
the top the brake pads form a “V” with the
trough pointing to the front. This V-shaped
setting prevents screeching when the brakes
are applied.
When you pull the brake lever, both brake
arms must contact the rim simultaneously.
You should not be able to pull the brake lever
all the way to the handlebar in the event of
an emergency stop.
9.5. Synchronizing and adjusting the
cantilever brakes
For synchronizing the brake, almost all canti-
lever brakes have a bolt located on the side of
one brake pad for adjusting the initial spring
tension. Adjust this bolt until the distance
between brake pad and rim is the same on
either side.
To adjust the brakes, release the knurled lock
ring located at the cable hanger or brake
lever. Release the knurled, slotted adjusting
bolt by a few turns. In this way, you shorten
the free travel of the brake lever.
Keeping the adjusting bolt fixed, tighten the
lock ring against the cable hanger or brake
lever. This prevents the adjusting bolt from
coming loose by itself.
Adjusting the position of the brake
pads to the rims requires a consider-
able degree of skill. Replacing and adjust-
ing the brake pads is a job best left to your
MERIDA dealer.
Test the brake in standing after adjus-
ting it. Make sure the brake pads
engage fully with the rim when you pull
them hard.
9. The brake system
