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    Resto-mod cantis: IRD Cafam vs Avid Shorty Ultimate vs (other?)

    Hiya. I'm doing a resto-mod "gravel" conversion to an old Diamondback Overdrive, and am looking for a good set of canti brakes. Linear pull are not an option due to brifter cable pull, and mini-V's will not work with the large tires I'll use, 45mm+.

    I was just about set to buy some new Avid Shorty Ultimates, but a local shop suggested the IRD Cafams. Just curious if anyone has any preferences or alternative suggestions? I'll also going to see if the local co-op has anything appealing; for example I've read the Shimano cx-50 are good but not available new.

    These each cost around $100/wheel. I've heard Paul's are good but not sure I want to dish out an extra $50 for those, I'd probably just get Travel Agents and V-brakes before that.

    by gregn8r1

    View 11 Comments

    11 Comments

    1. soarky325 on

      I have the Avid Shortys and they are cool. With that being said, I’d have opted for regular old v-brakes in hindsight.

      The Shortys are semi-complicated to set up but they do stop my bike and look pretty sweet

    3. broom_rocket on

      Yeah those are too bougie for me to ever try out when so many inexpensive canti options abound. 

      Tektro cr510s were the last new canti I bought and they were lovely. I definitely wouldn’t go wide profile cantis, they stick out too much.

    4. KingSurly on

      I have Shortys and Pauls, and they’re great. I also have the DiaCompe 980s, and they’re a fantastic deal and are available in all sorts of colors. They sell a matching lever if that’s your jam too.

    5. fattires on

      I’ve got the Shorty Ultimate on a bike and they are powerful. They’re a challenge to set up. Tektro had the Oryx and CR720 models that I’ve had good luck with as well. I’m sure the IRDs are very good, & they certainly look sexy, but they’re pretty expensive.

    6. double___a on

      The Avid Shorty Ultimates are fantastic brakes. On par with Paul imho (I’ve owned both). They quite adjustable and let you dial in the feel and power easily.

      The pro CX set up is running them with a wide profile front, and low profile rear.

      The IRDs look fine copy’s of the Paul Neo Retro which are copies of Mafac Tandem brakes. Aesthetically these are more classic/rando if that’s what you’re going for.

      Both of these are going to be better than the Shimano CX-50 which were fine but always mid-tier at best.

    7. GreenToMe95 on

      I like the shorties a lot and they would match your diamondback well. I’ve never tried the IRD’s personally. Keep your eyes peeled for a used set of shorties. I lucked out and got a set for 30 per wheel locally.

    8. marshmnstr on

      Building a brand new BMC Monstercross, I am reusing my old silver CR720’s with Kool-stop salmon pads. Work as well as any canti I’ve used.

    9. 6ickos on

      haven’t used either, but Shimano CX50’s were so easy to work with coming from vintage canti’s.

    10. Pickle_strength on

      Wide profile cantis are really only helpful for the extra mud clearance. Low profile ones are much easier to set up correctly.

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