INTERBIKE 2009 - SRAM gave use the scoop on their new road wheels and wireless power meter cranks (both coming up in a separate post), then they pulled out the black box.  We love black boxes, especially when they’re at the SRAM booth because they always have something new and exciting in them.
Here’s the first look at their upcoming Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilever cyclocross brakes.  Specs were pretty hard to come by other than the target weight of 115g per wheel, but they did show some cool features.
In particular, they can be run wide or narrow depending on your desired brake feel or if you want more clearance.  SRAM’s Road Marketing Manager, Mike Zellman, said you could run them wide on the front for more stopping power and narrow in the rear to keep ’em from snagging your shoulder when you have to run up.  They also mentioned something about aerodynamics, but on a ‘cross bike?
Anyway, hit ‘more’ for close-up photos…
Here’s the backside.  That sticker says “Sample Not For Functional Evaluation.”
There are two holes for the tension spring, which gives them the wide or narrow stance.  They accept regular road pads in the brake shoes.
The cable hanger has a plastic sleeve, similar to what you find in a v-brake noodle, to keep things moving freely.  The adjuster barrel is machined metal, presumably aluminum.
Pricing is yet to be determined, but they should be available soon.
