Best Cantilever Bike Brakes of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Cantilever bike brakes are a type of braking system commonly used on mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes. They work by using a pair of brake arms that pivot on a frame mount, allowing the brake pads to squeeze against the rim of the wheel. This design provides greater clearance for wider tires and mud clearance, making it a popular choice for off-road riding. Cantilever brakes also offer a strong and reliable stopping power in all weather conditions, making them a great choice for any rider looking to improve their bike's braking performance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set Cover #TOP 1
Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Shimano 105 BR-CX50 Cantilever Brake System Cover #TOP 2
Shimano 105 BR-CX50 Cantilever Brake System
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Set of Cantilever Brake Yokes and Wires Cover #TOP 3
Set of Cantilever Brake Yokes and Wires
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cantilever Bike Brakes

Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set

Oryx
Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set Cover
Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Cantilever Bike Brake Set, Front and Rear, Black, MH1811

The Tektro Oryx Brake Set is designed with forged aluminium arms, ensuring durability and strength for your cycling needs. The 55mm standard pads provide reliable stopping power, enhancing your control on various terrains. With its sleek black finish, it adds a stylish touch to your bike. This product comes in an OEM package, meaning you receive exactly what is shown in the picture, making it a straightforward choice for cyclists looking for quality without unnecessary packaging.

What We Like
Durable forged aluminium arms
Reliable 55mm standard pads
Sleek black design
OEM packaging for simplicity
#TOP 2

Shimano 105 BR-CX50 Cantilever Brake System

BRCX50
Silver
Front/Rear
Shimano 105 BR-CX50 Cantilever Brake System Cover
Shimano 105 BR-CX50 Cantilever Brake - Silver, Front/Rear

The Shimano CX50 Brake is designed specifically for road levers, ensuring compatibility for a variety of cycling needs. You will find its easy set-up and adjustment particularly beneficial, allowing you to quickly fine-tune your braking system. However, it's important to note that this brake is not compatible with V-brake levers, so ensure your setup is suitable. Ideal for cyclo-cross, touring, Audax, and flat handlebar road bikes with wide tyres, this brake provides reliable stopping power across different riding styles.

What We Like
Easy set-up and adjustment
Compatible with various cycling styles
Reliable stopping power
Designed for wide tyres
#TOP 3

Set of Cantilever Brake Yokes and Wires

PCM
Silver
Set of Cantilever Brake Yokes and Wires Cover
SET (2) CANTILEVER BIKE BRAKE YOKES/STRADDLE BRIDGES & WIRES,CANTI/CENTRE PULL

The PCM Cantilever Brake Set includes a pair of cantilever brake yokes and straddle wires that are compatible with ATB cantilever or BMX U-type brakes. These new old stock items are rare and not often found as separate components, making them a valuable addition to your cycling kit. Having these spare parts on hand can prove essential for ensuring your bike's braking system remains in top condition, providing you with peace of mind during your rides.

What We Like
Rare, hard-to-find components
Compatible with various brakes
Useful for spare parts
Enhances bike braking system
#TOP 4

Shimano Altus BR-CT91 Front Cantilever Brake

BRCT91MMF
Silver
Front
Shimano Altus BR-CT91 Front Cantilever Brake Cover
Shimano Altus BR-CT91 Right Hand Cantilever Brake - Silver, Front

The Shimano Altus Cantilever Brake is designed for easy installation on front forks, coming packaged in a pair. It includes Shimano brake blocks, ensuring reliable stopping power. You will appreciate the spring tension adjuster, which simplifies the brake set-up process, making adjustments hassle-free. Additionally, the side mount brake pads facilitate quick and easy replacement, allowing you to maintain your brakes without difficulty. This product combines convenience and efficiency, enhancing your cycling experience.

What We Like
Easy installation on front forks
Includes reliable brake blocks
Simplified brake set-up
Quick pad replacement
#TOP 5

Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set

Oryx
Silver
Tektro Oryx 992AG CycloCross Brake Set Cover
Tektro, Oryx 992AG CycloCross Cantilever Brake Set, Forged Aluminum Arms, Silver

The Tektro Oryx Brake Set features robust forged aluminium arms, ensuring durability while keeping the weight down for better performance on your bike. With a dimension range of 23 - 37 mm, it provides versatility for various setups, enhancing your riding experience. The included 55mm standard pads (model 520.12) offer reliable stopping power, giving you confidence during your rides. This OEM package contains one pair, suitable for both front and rear installation, making it a convenient choice for cyclists looking to upgrade their braking system.

What We Like
Lightweight forged aluminium arms
Versatile dimension range
Reliable stopping power
Convenient front and rear set
#TOP 6

XLC Mase BR-C04 Aluminium Cantilever Brake

XLC
2500301501
Black
One Size
XLC Mase BR-C04 Aluminium Cantilever Brake Cover
XLC Mase Sports Bicycle Cantilever Brake BR-C04 for VR or HR Aluminium Black

The XLC Mase Cantilever Brake is an ideal choice for cyclists seeking reliable performance. Its long-lasting design means you can trust it to endure your rides without frequent replacements. The durable construction ensures that it withstands various weather conditions, providing you with consistent braking power. With this brake, you can enjoy a smoother and safer cycling experience, giving you confidence on the road or trail.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Long-lasting design
Durable construction
Consistent braking power
#TOP 7

Shimano BR-CT91 Cantilever Brake System

2090334517
Silver
One size
Shimano BR-CT91 Cantilever Brake System Cover
Shimano BR-CT91 Cantilever brake Silver One size

The Shimano BR-CT91 Brake ensures safe braking for your bicycle, giving you confidence when riding. It effectively controls your speed, allowing you to bring your bike to a stop smoothly by applying pressure. With its high-quality construction, you can rely on its durability and performance. Additionally, it is easy to use, making it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. This brake system offers you both safety and convenience during your rides.

What We Like
Safe braking performance
High-quality construction
Easy to use
Controls speed effectively
#TOP 8

MOUNTAIN BIKE CANTI-LEVER BRAKE SPRING SET

MOUNTAIN BIKE CANTI-LEVER BRAKE SPRING SET Cover
MOUNTAIN BIKE CANTI-LEVER BRAKE SINGLE SPRING SET WITH COVERS 3 ½” COIL SET FOR FRONT OR REAR BRAKE RETRO MTB

The Rare Mountain Bike Parts Springs are designed for retro mountain bikes, offering a single brake canti-lever 3 ½” coil spring set with covers. These replacement springs are ideal if you are looking to restore or repair your old MTB, particularly if it has weak brake springs or damaged brakes. With a 14mm internal diameter and 18mm external diameter, they provide a snug fit. This set is specifically for one brake only, making it a practical choice for either front or rear brakes.

What We Like
Easy restoration of old bikes
Compatible with conventional brakes
Includes covers for protection
Single spring set for convenience
Sturdy design with multiple coils
#TOP 9

Sport Direct™ All Weather Cantilever Brake Pads

SBR02
Black
80mm
Sport Direct™ All Weather Cantilever Brake Pads Cover
Sport Direct™ Bicycle Bike Cantilever Brake Blocks/Pads

The Sport Direct™ Brake Blocks are designed for all weather conditions, ensuring your bike brakes perform reliably, no matter the elements. With a 50mm size, these brake pads provide excellent stopping power, enhancing your control during rides. Their low-profile design not only looks sleek but also helps in reducing weight, making your cycling experience more efficient. The cantilever style allows for easy installation and adjustment, giving you the convenience you need for quick maintenance.

What We Like
All weather performance
50mm size for better control
Sleek low-profile design
Easy installation and adjustment
#TOP 10

Shimano Deore BR-T610 Rear V-Brakes

BRT610RL
Black
Rear
Shimano Deore BR-T610 Rear V-Brakes Cover
Shimano Deore BR-T610 V-Brakes - Black, Rear

The Shimano BR-T610 V-Brakes are designed for efficiency and control, ensuring powerful braking when you need it most. The vertical cantilever arms, measuring 107 mm in length, provide a stable and responsive braking experience. With side mount brake pads, you'll find installation and adjustments to be much simpler, reducing pad flex for enhanced performance. This design ultimately enhances your confidence while riding, making it easier to navigate various terrains safely.

What We Like
Powerful braking performance
Easy installation and adjustment
Stable and responsive design
Reduces pad flex
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cantilever bike brakes good?

Cantilever brakes were used on touring bikes and tandems for decades before mountain bikes were even invented. The cantilever evolved into an extremely powerful and reliable braking system. Loaded touring bikes and tandems put more severe weight loads on the brakes than did bikes with just one person on them.

2. Are V-brakes better than cantilever?

Cantilever brakes offer better tire clearance than V-brakes and decrease the chances of mud accumulation. Unlike V-brakes, cantilever brakes are compatible with brake-shifters. This is one of the main reasons why we find cantilever brakes on touring and cyclocross bicycles.

3. Are cantilever brakes long or short pull?

Cantilever brakes also work with short pull brake levers. They require a “cable yoke” and “straddle cable” to operate. V-Brakes: This type of brake also attaches to brake bosses, but they require a “long-pull” brake lever (see brake levers section below).

Editor's Notes

During our cantilever bike brake research, we found 168 cantilever bike brake products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,488 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cantilever bike brakes list. We found that most customers choose cantilever bike brakes with an average price of £18.01.

The cantilever bike brakes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cantilever bike brakes, including Tektro, Shimano, PCM, XLC, Rare Mountain Bike Parts. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 74 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.