I installed Tektro CR720 brakes on my Surly Cross Check build and they work quite well. They are considered cyclocross brakes by Tektro, and you can see why looking at them:
They have very strong braking, probably from the all the leverage from being so wide. They are also easy to clean as you have easy access to them. I found them to be easy to install and tune.
Features
Light
Dual micro tension adjusters
Linear spring design
Come with straddle cable
Specs
Sand blasted silver or black anodized finish
Forged aluminum arms
Cartridge pads
126 grams
Lightest affordable cantilever brakes
I didn’t weigh mine, but according to the Tektro weight these are the lightest affordable cantilever brakes I have seen.
Instructions
I like these brakes, and they do everything they are supposed to. I’m giving these a 5 out of 5 rating.
Once you start buying cheap brakes…..
You won’t be able to stop
I never understood (okay, from a marketing standpoint, I did) why cantilever brakes disappeared from the market, replaced by V-brakes (and now disc brakes). They were simple, reliable, elegant, and they worked. Bruce Gordon made some that were, I dare say, beautiful.
Sometimes I think they just make changes so people think they need a new bike…