Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
I was slightly taken aback recently to discover that -barring duplicates in their own listings- there have been approximately (*) 80 different shimano canti models listed to date. Who knew? I've taken on the not inconsiderably tedious task of cataloguing them. They are in the same order as they appear in shimano's techdoc archive. There are four pages, containing 25,25,25, and 5 listings respectively. This is page 1
(*) there are many which are similar, but there are also some brakes where there are different arm lengths under the same model number rather than a different one.
BR-C700 700CX brake
above image is actually BR-C701 (M-size); BR-C700 has solid arms, no holes. and is S-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C700
BR-CT10 Altus C10, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT10_CT11
BR-CT11 Altus C10, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT10_CT11
BR-M290 Acera X
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M290-E
BR-M351 Exage
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M351
BR-M520 Exage ES, M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M520_M521
BR-M521 Exage ES, L-size
No photo available. Similar to BR-M520, but BR-M520 is marked 'M' on EV techdoc and BR-M521 is marked 'L'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M520_M521
BR-M565 Deore LX, M-size and L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M565
BR-M565-E Deore LX. M-size and L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M565-E
BR-M730 XT
chunky one-piece brake blocks and unit link wire were standard. These brakes configure as mid-arm on wide bosses but may also be used as wide-arm brakes on narrow spaced bosses.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M730
BR-M737 XT
unit link wire and cartridge brake blocks as standard. This 'low profile' arm shape went on to be used in many different shimano cantis (as well as other people's knock-offs). It appears to be similarly dimensioned to subsequent 'M-size' versions.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M737
BR-M900-C XTR (~1993)
very similar to BR-M737, but slight differences and a better finish. C-suffix means cartridge type brake blocks.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M900-C
BR-MC10 Alivio
one-piece brake blocks and Z-type unit link as standard
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC10_MC11
BR-MC11 Alivio 'L' variant of BR-MC10
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC10_MC11
BR-MC12-E Alivio
revised version of BR-MC10 with different brake blocks and painted finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC12-E
BR-MC15 Acera, S-Size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC15
BR-MC32 STX M and L versions
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC32
BR-MC33 STX RC (M & L variants)
simialr to BR-MC32 but with cartridge brake blocks as standard
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC33
BR-MJ05 MJ-II. (M & L variants) Low profile post-type brake in the usual shimano mould, with solid arms.
no image available
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ05
BR-MT60 Deore
Same layout as BR-M730. One piece brake blocks and conventional straddle as standard; polished finish on arms. Part of the 'New Deore' groupset launched in 1987.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MT60
BR-MT62 Deore II
revised version of MT60 brake, 'SLR' compatible. Originally part of the 'Deore II' 6s groupset, but included as part of Deore DX groupset in 1990, 1991. Black version available.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MT62
BR-C701 700CX
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C701
BR-CT20 Altus C20 M-size
update of Altus C10 brake
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT21 Altus C20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT22 Altus C20 M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
(*) there are many which are similar, but there are also some brakes where there are different arm lengths under the same model number rather than a different one.
BR-C700 700CX brake
above image is actually BR-C701 (M-size); BR-C700 has solid arms, no holes. and is S-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C700
BR-CT10 Altus C10, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT10_CT11
BR-CT11 Altus C10, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT10_CT11
BR-M290 Acera X
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M290-E
BR-M351 Exage
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M351
BR-M520 Exage ES, M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M520_M521
BR-M521 Exage ES, L-size
No photo available. Similar to BR-M520, but BR-M520 is marked 'M' on EV techdoc and BR-M521 is marked 'L'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M520_M521
BR-M565 Deore LX, M-size and L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M565
BR-M565-E Deore LX. M-size and L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M565-E
BR-M730 XT
chunky one-piece brake blocks and unit link wire were standard. These brakes configure as mid-arm on wide bosses but may also be used as wide-arm brakes on narrow spaced bosses.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M730
BR-M737 XT
unit link wire and cartridge brake blocks as standard. This 'low profile' arm shape went on to be used in many different shimano cantis (as well as other people's knock-offs). It appears to be similarly dimensioned to subsequent 'M-size' versions.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M737
BR-M900-C XTR (~1993)
very similar to BR-M737, but slight differences and a better finish. C-suffix means cartridge type brake blocks.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M900-C
BR-MC10 Alivio
one-piece brake blocks and Z-type unit link as standard
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC10_MC11
BR-MC11 Alivio 'L' variant of BR-MC10
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC10_MC11
BR-MC12-E Alivio
revised version of BR-MC10 with different brake blocks and painted finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC12-E
BR-MC15 Acera, S-Size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC15
BR-MC32 STX M and L versions
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC32
BR-MC33 STX RC (M & L variants)
simialr to BR-MC32 but with cartridge brake blocks as standard
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC33
BR-MJ05 MJ-II. (M & L variants) Low profile post-type brake in the usual shimano mould, with solid arms.
no image available
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ05
BR-MT60 Deore
Same layout as BR-M730. One piece brake blocks and conventional straddle as standard; polished finish on arms. Part of the 'New Deore' groupset launched in 1987.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MT60
BR-MT62 Deore II
revised version of MT60 brake, 'SLR' compatible. Originally part of the 'Deore II' 6s groupset, but included as part of Deore DX groupset in 1990, 1991. Black version available.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MT62
BR-C701 700CX
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C701
BR-CT20 Altus C20 M-size
update of Altus C10 brake
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT21 Altus C20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT22 Altus C20 M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
Last edited by Brucey on 27 Feb 2021, 1:58pm, edited 18 times in total.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
reserved for page 2
BR-CT23 Altus C20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT90-E Altus
M-size low profile post-type, with solid arms. See CT90 listing below.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT90-E
BR-M100 100GS
super low profile, similar to tourney BR-TY70
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M100TY70
BR-M290-M Acera-X, M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M290-M
BR-M350 Exage trail
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M350
BR-MC12-M Alivio, M-size
post-type low profile canti with holes in the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC12-M
BR-MJ05-E/MJ-2
post-type low profile canti with solid arms. Appears to be M-size.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ05-E
BR-TY70 70GS
similar to 100GS/M100. Low profile post-type canti. Appears to be plastic coated steel, M-size. Unusually the pinch bolt is on the RH arm, rather than the left.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M100TY70
BR-6102 Shimano 600 series canti
short arm post-type mid-profile canti, not unlike DiaCompe 981, except the shimano brake here has the posts mounted behind the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-6102-SHIMANO%20600
BR-C400 400CX S-size
see BR-C401 for M-size version.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C400
BR-C510 Exage 500CX, (S-size)
short arm low profile post type.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C510
BR-CT90 Altus
similar to BR-CT91, but with solid arms. 'SLR' compatible. The photo above shows a common fault with this and some other shimano cantis; the plastic spring cover is load-bearing in some models. When the spring cover splits, the brake is rendered useless. Most shimano cantis have the model number marked on the back of arm with the pinch bolt (normally the left arm on the front brake). Altus BR-CT90-M and BR-CT90-L models are only identified by the sticker on the front of the pinch bolt arm; there is no model number mark on the back of the arms. The arm length (from the boss centre to the straddle wire) is ~65mm in M-size. The 'L' version has arms that are closer to 75mm in length.
There appear to be two different versions; one made in Japan and the other made in Malaysia; the latter appear to be more prone to having split (grey) spring covers.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT90
BR-M201 200GS
low profile version of BR-M200
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M201
BR-M250 Exage Country
appears to be plastic coated steel
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M250
BR-M352 Non series. (~1992)
special offset (rear fitment only) post-type canti. Pinch bolt on RH arm. I have never seen these in the flesh.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M352
BR-M550 Deore LX , M-size (~1990)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M550
BR-M560 Deore LX, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M560_M561
BR-M561 Deore LX, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M560_M561
BR-M732 Deore XT-II, "SLR"
revision of BR-M730 (see p1)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M732
BR-MC32-E STX M-size only
-CH model shown above. Also see image of MC32 on p1
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC32-E
BR-MJ10 MJ series, L-size
Post-type low profile canti with solid arms. No photo available
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ10
BR-AT10 Altus A-10, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT10_AT11
BR-AT11 Altus A-10, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT10_AT11
BR-AT20 Altus A-20 M-size
this picture shows the difference between AT20 (M-size) and AT21 (L-size)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT20_AT21
BR-AT21 Altus A-20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT20_AT21
BR-CT23 Altus C20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT20_CT21_CT22_CT23
BR-CT90-E Altus
M-size low profile post-type, with solid arms. See CT90 listing below.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT90-E
BR-M100 100GS
super low profile, similar to tourney BR-TY70
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M100TY70
BR-M290-M Acera-X, M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M290-M
BR-M350 Exage trail
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M350
BR-MC12-M Alivio, M-size
post-type low profile canti with holes in the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC12-M
BR-MJ05-E/MJ-2
post-type low profile canti with solid arms. Appears to be M-size.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ05-E
BR-TY70 70GS
similar to 100GS/M100. Low profile post-type canti. Appears to be plastic coated steel, M-size. Unusually the pinch bolt is on the RH arm, rather than the left.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M100TY70
BR-6102 Shimano 600 series canti
short arm post-type mid-profile canti, not unlike DiaCompe 981, except the shimano brake here has the posts mounted behind the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-6102-SHIMANO%20600
BR-C400 400CX S-size
see BR-C401 for M-size version.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C400
BR-C510 Exage 500CX, (S-size)
short arm low profile post type.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C510
BR-CT90 Altus
similar to BR-CT91, but with solid arms. 'SLR' compatible. The photo above shows a common fault with this and some other shimano cantis; the plastic spring cover is load-bearing in some models. When the spring cover splits, the brake is rendered useless. Most shimano cantis have the model number marked on the back of arm with the pinch bolt (normally the left arm on the front brake). Altus BR-CT90-M and BR-CT90-L models are only identified by the sticker on the front of the pinch bolt arm; there is no model number mark on the back of the arms. The arm length (from the boss centre to the straddle wire) is ~65mm in M-size. The 'L' version has arms that are closer to 75mm in length.
There appear to be two different versions; one made in Japan and the other made in Malaysia; the latter appear to be more prone to having split (grey) spring covers.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT90
BR-M201 200GS
low profile version of BR-M200
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M201
BR-M250 Exage Country
appears to be plastic coated steel
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M250
BR-M352 Non series. (~1992)
special offset (rear fitment only) post-type canti. Pinch bolt on RH arm. I have never seen these in the flesh.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M352
BR-M550 Deore LX , M-size (~1990)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M550
BR-M560 Deore LX, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M560_M561
BR-M561 Deore LX, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M560_M561
BR-M732 Deore XT-II, "SLR"
revision of BR-M730 (see p1)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M732
BR-MC32-E STX M-size only
-CH model shown above. Also see image of MC32 on p1
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC32-E
BR-MJ10 MJ series, L-size
Post-type low profile canti with solid arms. No photo available
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MJ10
BR-AT10 Altus A-10, M-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT10_AT11
BR-AT11 Altus A-10, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT10_AT11
BR-AT20 Altus A-20 M-size
this picture shows the difference between AT20 (M-size) and AT21 (L-size)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT20_AT21
BR-AT21 Altus A-20 L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT20_AT21
Last edited by Brucey on 12 Mar 2021, 1:08am, edited 8 times in total.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
reserved for page 3
BR-AT50
'AT50' series cantilever (eg in 1986 catalogue). Simplified version of BR-MC70 (deore XT "deerhead") brake, with steel toe adjusting washers, fewer Allen key fittings and polished (rather than anodised) finish. These brakes work as mid-arm brakes on wide-spaced bosses and as wide-arm brakes on narrow spaced bosses. In common with other shimano cantis of this period, there is a short slot in the arm behind the eyebolt; this gives about 4mm of vertical height adjustment; enough to cope with misplaced bosses, or (if bosses are placed exactly) enough to allow 700C(622) or 27" (630) wheels to be used in the same bike.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT50
At one time (~1985) stronger return springs were available to fit both BR-MC70 and BR-AT50 brakes, as detailed in the SI document below;
https://si.shimano.com/api/publish/storage/pdf/en/si/N-90/SI-N-90-000-00-ENG.pdf
However these alternative parts are not listed on the EV techdocs for either brake, there is no part number information, and I have never seen any in the flesh.
BR-C200 200CX (~1991)
Appears to be S-size low profile. Also available in black (-B version). Plastic coated steel.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C200_C200-B
BR-C401 400CX
Appears to be M-size version of BR-C400 (S-size) brake.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C401
BR-CT91 Altus cantilever. (~1996)
Update of BR-CT90, with (hopefully) improved spring covers. The finish on these arms is pretty rough (for a shimano product) and the model BR-CT91 isn't obviously marked on them anywhere. The first time I inspected a set at close range I thought they were knock-offs.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT91
BR-M200 200GS
mid-arm version of BR-M201 (top) BR-M200 at bottom of picture. Pair above were supplied as a front + rear set.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M200
BR-M734 Deore XT
super low profile
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M734
BR-M900(-M) Deore XTR (~1992)
M-system and standard versions (cf -C version)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M900
BR-MC33-E STX RC
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC33-E
BR-TY20 Tourney, M-size
post-type low profile canti with solid arms
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY20_TY21
BR-TY21 Tourney, L-size
longer version of above
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY20_TY21
BR-CT12 Altus C10, S-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT12
BR-CT50 Altus C50, M-size (~1994)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT50_CT51
BR-CT51 Altus C50, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT50_CT51
BR-CX50 non-series CX canti
BR-CX50 (one-piece brake blocks) and BR-CX70 (cartridge brake blocks) probably fit to more different post spacings than any other modern cantilever, thanks to three different spacer/bolt configurations.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CX50
BR-CX70 recently discontinued CX canti
BR-CX50 (one-piece brake blocks) and BR-CX70 (cartridge brake blocks) probably fit to more different post spacings than any other modern cantilever, thanks to three different spacer/bolt configurations. Cartridge brake blocks use the same pattern inserts as shimano 'road' caliper brakes.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CX70
BR-M320 Exage LT, M-size
Non standard brake blocks fitted (Fibrax I think)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M320_M321
BR-M321 Exage LT, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M320_M321
BR-M450 Exage 'Mountain'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M450
BR-M454 Exage 'Mountain'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M454
BR-M501 Exage 500LX
super low profile (vs Low profile BR-M502)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M501_M502
BR-M502 Exage 500LX
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M501_M502
BR-M650 Deore DX
suffix M version has different 'M-system' brake blocks. Super low profile design
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M650_M651
BR-M651 Deore DX
suffix M version has different 'M-system' brake blocks. Low profile (cf super low profile for BR-M650) design.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M650_M651
BR-MC16 Alivio (~1996)
this brake has a near- unique feature for shimano cantis, being rear mounted posts.
This merited a splash in the shimano catalogue when this brake was introduced, but it didn't
become a popular design feature.
AFAICT BR-6102 is the only other shimano canti which has posts mounted behind the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC16
BR-MC30 STX, M-size
-CH suffix version with 'chromica' finish in STX-SE groupset. Non-suffix version in silver finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC30_MC31
BR-AT50
'AT50' series cantilever (eg in 1986 catalogue). Simplified version of BR-MC70 (deore XT "deerhead") brake, with steel toe adjusting washers, fewer Allen key fittings and polished (rather than anodised) finish. These brakes work as mid-arm brakes on wide-spaced bosses and as wide-arm brakes on narrow spaced bosses. In common with other shimano cantis of this period, there is a short slot in the arm behind the eyebolt; this gives about 4mm of vertical height adjustment; enough to cope with misplaced bosses, or (if bosses are placed exactly) enough to allow 700C(622) or 27" (630) wheels to be used in the same bike.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-AT50
At one time (~1985) stronger return springs were available to fit both BR-MC70 and BR-AT50 brakes, as detailed in the SI document below;
https://si.shimano.com/api/publish/storage/pdf/en/si/N-90/SI-N-90-000-00-ENG.pdf
However these alternative parts are not listed on the EV techdocs for either brake, there is no part number information, and I have never seen any in the flesh.
BR-C200 200CX (~1991)
Appears to be S-size low profile. Also available in black (-B version). Plastic coated steel.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C200_C200-B
BR-C401 400CX
Appears to be M-size version of BR-C400 (S-size) brake.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-C401
BR-CT91 Altus cantilever. (~1996)
Update of BR-CT90, with (hopefully) improved spring covers. The finish on these arms is pretty rough (for a shimano product) and the model BR-CT91 isn't obviously marked on them anywhere. The first time I inspected a set at close range I thought they were knock-offs.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT91
BR-M200 200GS
mid-arm version of BR-M201 (top) BR-M200 at bottom of picture. Pair above were supplied as a front + rear set.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M200
BR-M734 Deore XT
super low profile
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M734
BR-M900(-M) Deore XTR (~1992)
M-system and standard versions (cf -C version)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M900
BR-MC33-E STX RC
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC33-E
BR-TY20 Tourney, M-size
post-type low profile canti with solid arms
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY20_TY21
BR-TY21 Tourney, L-size
longer version of above
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY20_TY21
BR-CT12 Altus C10, S-size (~1993)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT12
BR-CT50 Altus C50, M-size (~1994)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT50_CT51
BR-CT51 Altus C50, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CT50_CT51
BR-CX50 non-series CX canti
BR-CX50 (one-piece brake blocks) and BR-CX70 (cartridge brake blocks) probably fit to more different post spacings than any other modern cantilever, thanks to three different spacer/bolt configurations.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CX50
BR-CX70 recently discontinued CX canti
BR-CX50 (one-piece brake blocks) and BR-CX70 (cartridge brake blocks) probably fit to more different post spacings than any other modern cantilever, thanks to three different spacer/bolt configurations. Cartridge brake blocks use the same pattern inserts as shimano 'road' caliper brakes.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-CX70
BR-M320 Exage LT, M-size
Non standard brake blocks fitted (Fibrax I think)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M320_M321
BR-M321 Exage LT, L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M320_M321
BR-M450 Exage 'Mountain'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M450
BR-M454 Exage 'Mountain'
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M454
BR-M501 Exage 500LX
super low profile (vs Low profile BR-M502)
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M501_M502
BR-M502 Exage 500LX
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M501_M502
BR-M650 Deore DX
suffix M version has different 'M-system' brake blocks. Super low profile design
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M650_M651
BR-M651 Deore DX
suffix M version has different 'M-system' brake blocks. Low profile (cf super low profile for BR-M650) design.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-M650_M651
BR-MC16 Alivio (~1996)
this brake has a near- unique feature for shimano cantis, being rear mounted posts.
This merited a splash in the shimano catalogue when this brake was introduced, but it didn't
become a popular design feature.
AFAICT BR-6102 is the only other shimano canti which has posts mounted behind the arms.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC16
BR-MC30 STX, M-size
-CH suffix version with 'chromica' finish in STX-SE groupset. Non-suffix version in silver finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC30_MC31
Last edited by Brucey on 1 Mar 2021, 1:00am, edited 13 times in total.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
page 4
BR-MC31 STX, L-size. (~1994)
-CH suffix version with 'chromica' finish in STX-SE groupset. Non-suffix version in silver finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC30_MC31
BR-MC70 Deore XT 'Deer Head'
non-standard brake blocks fitted. BR-MC70 (and the BR-AT50 derivative, but not most of the subsequent XT brakes etc) are amongst the best engineered (if not the most powerful) cantilevers that shimano have made, because the pinch bolt assy has a sleeve in it, so that it is (even when the cable is secure) free to articulate in the end of the brake arm slightly. This means that in normal braking, the articulation of the pinch bolt imposes no bending stresses in the cable nearby. This means no fatigue failures in the cable near the pinch bolt. It also means more consistent brake centring. BR-MC70 has no centring adjustment screw ( and neither does BR-AT50 even though the casting has a boss for it on the LH arm) , and really you don't miss it, because the brakes hold centre very reliably anyway. A good deal of centring problems in cantilever brakes are caused by bending stresses in the straddle cable (at either end) interfering with the arm movement. Cheap manufacture (eg fixed pinch bolts) and bad design (eg the straddle wire slot not being deep enough in the RH arm) can do the rest, even before the arm pivots might start to get draggy.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC70
BR-R550 Non series (~2004)
70mm cartridge brake blocks (similar to V-blocks).
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-R550
BR-TY22 Tourney M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY22_TY23
BR-TY23 Tourney L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY22_TY23
BR-MC31 STX, L-size. (~1994)
-CH suffix version with 'chromica' finish in STX-SE groupset. Non-suffix version in silver finish.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC30_MC31
BR-MC70 Deore XT 'Deer Head'
non-standard brake blocks fitted. BR-MC70 (and the BR-AT50 derivative, but not most of the subsequent XT brakes etc) are amongst the best engineered (if not the most powerful) cantilevers that shimano have made, because the pinch bolt assy has a sleeve in it, so that it is (even when the cable is secure) free to articulate in the end of the brake arm slightly. This means that in normal braking, the articulation of the pinch bolt imposes no bending stresses in the cable nearby. This means no fatigue failures in the cable near the pinch bolt. It also means more consistent brake centring. BR-MC70 has no centring adjustment screw ( and neither does BR-AT50 even though the casting has a boss for it on the LH arm) , and really you don't miss it, because the brakes hold centre very reliably anyway. A good deal of centring problems in cantilever brakes are caused by bending stresses in the straddle cable (at either end) interfering with the arm movement. Cheap manufacture (eg fixed pinch bolts) and bad design (eg the straddle wire slot not being deep enough in the RH arm) can do the rest, even before the arm pivots might start to get draggy.
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-MC70
BR-R550 Non series (~2004)
70mm cartridge brake blocks (similar to V-blocks).
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-R550
BR-TY22 Tourney M-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY22_TY23
BR-TY23 Tourney L-size
https://si.shimano.com/#/en/EV/BR-TY22_TY23
Last edited by Brucey on 27 Feb 2021, 11:17pm, edited 7 times in total.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
High on a cocktail of flossy teacakes and marmalade
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD Quite a monument!
.. and strangely compelling. Think I’m using/ have used/still have mouldering in a box somewhere 3 or 4 from the first page..
Including those exage ones with the scalloped shape that was perfect for holding mud.
Keep going!
.. and strangely compelling. Think I’m using/ have used/still have mouldering in a box somewhere 3 or 4 from the first page..
Including those exage ones with the scalloped shape that was perfect for holding mud.
Keep going!
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
Not all the images are being displayed. Anyone else have this problem or is it a feature of my ancient Lenovo Tab 7 (TB3-710F).
Ps when will you be starting on the Weinmann list.
Ps when will you be starting on the Weinmann list.
At the last count:- Peugeot 531 pro, Dawes Discovery Tandem, Dawes Kingpin X3, Raleigh 20 stowaway X2, 1965 Moulton deluxe, Falcon K2 MTB dropped bar tourer, Rudge Bi frame folder, Longstaff trike conversion on a Giant XTC 840
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
I love these posts. is there a version for free hubs in the pipeline The dedication to this is outstanding.
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
mattsccm wrote:... is there a version for free hubs in the pipeline ...
unlikely (from me anyway); the hubs (unlike brakes perhaps) all look the same on the outside (more or less) and the information you really want to know (about freehub body interchangeability, seals on freehub bodies etc) can't be known for sure without direct inspection of every single combination. Are you volunteering...?....
cheers
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brucey~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
With my history of bodgery. No chance. I'll just admire from a distance.
-
- Posts: 678
- Joined: 14 Jun 2009, 11:27am
- Location: In Wales
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
Blimey. Another page turner you can't put down. Just as well as its gone and got all sunny outside, so at a loose end.
old fangled
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
After reading the first paragraph of you first post Brucey I just had to read the rest out of sheer respect for the effort you put in. Bravo.
You have my permission to be absent from the forum for a week so you may lie down and gibber uncontrollably.
You have my permission to be absent from the forum for a week so you may lie down and gibber uncontrollably.
The older I get the more I’m inclined to act my shoe size, not my age.
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
rjb wrote:Not all the images are being displayed. Anyone else have this problem or is it a feature of my ancient Lenovo Tab 7 (TB3-710F).
It's not because it's ancient.
If you click on the padlock on Chrome on Windows next to forum.cyclinguk.org, and then 'site settings' and then scroll down to 'insecure content' and choose 'allow', then the images will load.
If you are on Mobile this might not work and you have to manually specify the sites, by typing in chrome://flags in the browser and then typing in 'unsafely' and manually entering all the sites that have been hotlinked over http and do not have https (because cyclinguk is hosted over https, the browser refuses to load any content that's not available on https). Then you have to make the setting 'enabled'
You can also load any of the images by right clicking and opening in a new tab
The real issue is hotlinking images which is not great as probably most of them will disappear off the internet in a few years. Imgur seems to be the best place to re-host images.
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- Posts: 139
- Joined: 1 Apr 2015, 9:58am
- Location: Caerphilly
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
Thanks Brucey, that is very interesting. I just checked on the back of my cantilevers on my Raleigh and they are BR-M734 and came fitted on my bought as new 90's Raleigh Dynatech.
Whilst I have changed the front and rear gear cables quite a few times, I am100% certain I am using the original brake cables after all this time.
They do appear to be a lot thicker than your usual brake cable mind you so that probably has something to do with it.
Also probably explains the reason they are incredibly good brakes and I have always been able to stop in all conditions and have never felt the need for anything else.
I really don't understand some peoples dislike of cantilever brakes, but I suppose some are better than others.
Whilst I have changed the front and rear gear cables quite a few times, I am100% certain I am using the original brake cables after all this time.
They do appear to be a lot thicker than your usual brake cable mind you so that probably has something to do with it.
Also probably explains the reason they are incredibly good brakes and I have always been able to stop in all conditions and have never felt the need for anything else.
I really don't understand some peoples dislike of cantilever brakes, but I suppose some are better than others.
Re: Boring McBoring's guide to shimano cantilever brakes (including all the McVersions...)
thelawnet wrote:rjb wrote:Not all the images are being displayed. Anyone else have this problem or is it a feature of my ancient Lenovo Tab 7 (TB3-710F).
It's not because it's ancient.
If you click on the padlock on Chrome on Windows next to forum.cyclinguk.org, and then 'site settings' and then scroll down to 'insecure content' and choose 'allow', then the images will load.
If you are on Mobile this might not work and you have to manually specify the sites, by typing in chrome://flags in the browser and then typing in 'unsafely' and manually entering all the sites that have been hotlinked over http and do not have https (because cyclinguk is hosted over https, the browser refuses to load any content that's not available on https). Then you have to make the setting 'enabled'
Screenshot_20210228-154927~2.png
You can also load any of the images by right clicking and opening in a new tab
The real issue is hotlinking images which is not great as probably most of them will disappear off the internet in a few years. Imgur seems to be the best place to re-host images.
Thankyou, I've learnt something new today.
At the last count:- Peugeot 531 pro, Dawes Discovery Tandem, Dawes Kingpin X3, Raleigh 20 stowaway X2, 1965 Moulton deluxe, Falcon K2 MTB dropped bar tourer, Rudge Bi frame folder, Longstaff trike conversion on a Giant XTC 840