Tektro CR720 Quartz series cantilevers

Tektro's 720 are the best cantilevers I've used with drop levers and would be choice upgrades for the lower profile original equipment (OEM) type often fitted to mid range production cross/multi sport and Audax bikes. That said their broad profile and sharp styling doesn't look out of place on older mountain and touring mounts either. Frankly, there's no reason to pay more unless addicted to exotica or desperate to shave every last gram.

In essence these are the 520 as fitted to my crosser but with silver anodised finish and upgraded pads. Thankfully, the 720 enjoy incredibly simple set up courtesy of neat straddle wires; pronounced balance screws and V type pads-meaning readily available spares, especially if you prefer softer pad compounds.

Wide 35mm arms and strong springs are key to the excellent modulation and feel with most modern levers from budget to bling and I’m pleased to report they’ve stopped the Univega, complete with heavily laden trailer dead in our tracks sweeping through rural lanes and town centre alike. Wider arms and pads not only help in terms of mechanical advantage but offer better mud clearance into the bargain; greatly reducing the likelihood of clogging.

Their width poses no problems when dismounting to shoulder the bike over more technical sections and seem fine on classic tourers with horizontal geometry and expedition type panniers. However, look elsewhere if you want brakes for smaller compact and mountain bike framesets.

As generic, all weather pads go, the ones that come fitted are pretty much on the money and certainly up to the rigors of commuting and touring. However, purge the water channelling regularly to prevent them harbouring rim munching grit and dirt and I’d be inclined toward dual compounds for competitive cross or stopping racing tandems/trikes etc.

Verdict

All you could want from a cantilever except maybe dual compound pads.