Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes - why they are not
Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:25 am
My cross bike is equipped with Avid Shorty Ultimate canti brakes. They look much like this...
They came as part of a Rival groupset deal I negotiated with my LBS but I wanted them anyway because they'd been reviewed well in the past. Fitting and adjusting was a doddle. Most importantly, performance in the twelve months since has been excellent. They do what brakes should do.
BUT
They have a major flaw. The red alloy widgets that hold either end of the straddle wires are retained within the black frame by O-rings. Nominal size appears to be 9mm ID by 1mm thick. It's a really simple solution - lightweight & effective. However, the O-rings perish at the speed of light. If they fail only the straddle wire keeps the widget in place. And if you have the wheel out then the straddle wire is disconnected on one side and your widget on that side is free to roam. if you lose it then your $120 investment is toast...
Fortunately I haven't lost mine but after twelve months...every O ring is rooted. Some have lasted less than half this time...
There has to be a better solution. I've thought about using circlips but I suspect there could be a metal on metal issue...
They came as part of a Rival groupset deal I negotiated with my LBS but I wanted them anyway because they'd been reviewed well in the past. Fitting and adjusting was a doddle. Most importantly, performance in the twelve months since has been excellent. They do what brakes should do.
BUT
They have a major flaw. The red alloy widgets that hold either end of the straddle wires are retained within the black frame by O-rings. Nominal size appears to be 9mm ID by 1mm thick. It's a really simple solution - lightweight & effective. However, the O-rings perish at the speed of light. If they fail only the straddle wire keeps the widget in place. And if you have the wheel out then the straddle wire is disconnected on one side and your widget on that side is free to roam. if you lose it then your $120 investment is toast...
Fortunately I haven't lost mine but after twelve months...every O ring is rooted. Some have lasted less than half this time...
There has to be a better solution. I've thought about using circlips but I suspect there could be a metal on metal issue...