Cycling UK Forum

Is it possible to get cantiliver brakes with some kind of quick release mechanism so it is easy to remove a wheel?

My original brake levers had a quick release mechanism which did the job, but I recently upgraded them to Sora shifters which don't hae a quick release.

If I get a puncture when I'm out riding I have to release the brake cable in order to remove the wheel and then tighten it back up again when I refit the wheel - which is a pain and involves carrying extra tools.

Anything suitable here?
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?ter ... se%20cable

Jonathan

Not sure which brakes you currently have and, I guess you've already tried, but normally there's enough slack in the system to disengage the transverse cable from its' cradle prior to wheel removal. You manually push the brake blocks onto the rim which creates enough slack in the straddle cable to slip the nipple (ooh matron) from its cradle which is the opposite end of the where the transverse cable is anchored.

Although I see you can get these from dia-compe seemingly only for the front and 1" forks

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brakes/dia- ... e/?geoc=PT

Alternatively, let the tyre down?

002 by 531colin, on Flickr

Normally, one end of the straddle cable has a nipple with a pyramid-shaped handle, which you simply pull out of its place in the brake arm.....far left of my photo.

I installed Shimano SM-CB90 quick-release inline adjusters for both front and rear canti brakes on my tourer. It was a bit fiddly finding space for the front one on the short length of outer between handlebar and hanger, but not impossible. The quick-release lever provides enough extra slack to unhook the straddle cable very easily, while the adjuster screw makes it easy to compensate for pad wear. Widely available (e.g. SJS Cycles, Merlin) and reliable - the quick release clamps firmly closed so there's little chance of it opening accidentally.

it is normally so easy to unhook the straddle wire that QR isn't really necessary.

Thanks for all the replies.

As my old brake levers had a quick release mechanism I never had to remove the straddle cable - but it sounds like an obvious solution now that everyone has mentioned it

Failing that I'll try AndyK's suggestion of a Shimano SM-CB90 "in line adjuster".

Or can you cut a slot in the adjusters in your brake levers so the cable can be pulled out?
Best done with the parts off the bike!