Dynamo light / cantilever brakes....?

[Somebuddy]

I have a Specialized Tricross sport and I am planning on upgrading the wheels to go on a long fully laden tour. When getting the wheels made, I have considered adding a hub dynamo and therefor a front dynamo powered light. The one in mind is the B & M Luxos U with handlebar on/off switch and usb charging. My question is: The Tricross came with cantilever brakes, and uses a "hanger" attachment on the front forks. This makes it difficult or impossible to fit such a light. I emailed rosebikes.co.uk who sell the lights and they tell me I can't fit the light with cantilever brakes. I think I have seen a cantilever attachment on another website, but does the "hanger" attachment cause more problems. Does anyone know of a solution?

 

[marcusjb]

I have a B&M Cyo on my commuter mounted on the V-brake boss - same approach can be used on a canti boss. I have a Luxos on the Audax bike - but that is fork crown mounted (and I can see how that might not work with cantis).

Let me go take a quick snap of it for you.

Bit mucky! But should give you the idea. No issues.

 

[Somebuddy]

Thanks, appreciate it. Remember I will have front panniers fitted.

 

[marcusjb]

Ah yes - you will! Sorry - missed that part.

B&M do make a couple of handlebar brackets that will fit Cyo and Luxos. I can't comment on their effectiveness though.

I think they also make a bracket that replaces a headset spacer.

They'll be a way to do it - talk with SJS, they are smart with these things.

 

[Somebuddy]

The other reason for wanting the light at the forks is that i will be using a handlebar bag and a handlebar mounted light can't see over the bag! I'm now thinking of changing the brakes. The brakes aren't that good anyway. Got a few major downhills on my route and need better stopping power! Nothings ever easy!

 

[Somebuddy]

I've just seen your photo and see you have a " travel agent " fitted. I have just learned about them about an hour ago. Another member on here has replaced his wife's tricross cantilevers for v brakes and a travel agent. Is that an option for me? Does the travel agent use the hole on the forks? Would I be able to mount the light if I changed the brakes?

 

[Somebuddy]

Why did you not mount the lumotec at the top of the forks?

 

[marcusjb]

That bike started with cantis - really bad ones (Planet X/On-One's copy of frog legs with very little adjustment for toe in etc. - they were awful).

So, yes, replaced with V-brakes (Deore XT) with Travel Agents - works very, very well indeed. You can get new brake levers for V-brakes (think Tektro make some, and Cane Creek) - but I went with Travel Agents (though Travel Agents are terribly expensive for what they are!). HOWEVER, there is now a new way - Shimano have a series of V-brakes which will work with road levers apparently - http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdoc...RTMENT<>ast_id=1408474395181679&bmUID=jdCFQAB - the BR-E353/463 and 573 - I have no idea on price or performance though.

The Travel Agent replaces the noodle on a V-brake - so has no attachment to the fork at all.

So, yes, if you had V-brakes, you could use the fork crown. Why did I not? The fork wasn't drilled for it and I've never got around to attacking it with a black and decker.

 

[Somebuddy]

Thank you for your very helpful reply. Cheers