Brake Terminology

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Cedric

New Member
Hi! Sorry to post another dumb question. Yesterday I noticed that my front brake pads were badly worn. As a quick fix I picked up some brake pads from Asda (I know, I know!). These pads were labeled "fits most common cantilever brake types". The pads have a nut and three washers, the pads on my bike have a kind of metal bar attached that's much longer than the nut and washer contraption. What's the name for the type of pads I need? Do I have "uncommon" cantilever brakes?
 

Randochap

Senior hunter
Not sure why that claim is made on package. Fact is, most cantilevers require plain stud pads (the kind on your bike now).

Threaded-stud pads, especially if they don't have domed washers, do not allow all adjustments available on cantis.
 

Angelfishsolo

A Velocipedian
I agree that the labelling on the ASDA breaks us very misleading. Neither set they sell are suitable for any V breaks / Cantilever brake setup I have ever seen; but both fit on my very old calliper break mech.

In fairness the actual pads are not too bad for the price and last me a month or so of mixed terrain riding.
 
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Cedric

New Member
I took some pads of an old bike. The ASDA pads were made by Bell, which I know is cheap and cheerful, but they should know the difference between cantilevers and calipers surely? Cheers for the advice anyway. I suppose the lesson is to know what you are supposed to be buying before shoving it in your trolley :biggrin:. I might take them back because they are still unopened.
 

Angelfishsolo

A Velocipedian
ASDA's are pretty good at returns and anyway they are "not fit for purpose" so you win hands down (in my books anyway.)
Cedric said:
I took some pads of an old bike. The ASDA pads were made by Bell, which I know is cheap and cheerful, but they should know the difference between cantilevers and calipers surely? Cheers for the advice anyway. I suppose the lesson is to know what you are supposed to be buying before shoving it in your trolley :biggrin:. I might take them back because they are still unopened.
 
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