These are an unusual design, blending the best features of a V-brake and old-school canti in a lightweight package.
Long, cold forged alloy arms offer plenty of mechanical advantages and should hold their looks with basic care for many seasons to come. Set up should be intuitive for anyone familiar with modern cantilevers, as it incorporates both the M-System type straddle wire (Tektro and Shimano straddle wires will fit) and the spring tension adjusters on either side to align the pads against the rims. The wide profile and strong springs translate into an excellent blend of stopping prowess and modulation. Even mated to mid-price levers, they gave the confidence that I could stop on a sixpence or change course in an instant, and despite my best efforts I failed to lock a wheel.
Mounted on my MTB-based cross bike, performance remained consistent regardless of conditions and they appear less prone to clogging with mud than V-brakes, suggesting they're an excellent choice for crossers looking for a competitive edge without the expense of discs or the hassle of using Vs with standard road levers. These qualities lend themselves well to tandem or touring duties, although their wide profile interfered with panniers on one machine so check before you buy.