How does braking performance of the 200SL compare with dual-pivot road brakes?

The 200SL's single-pivot sidepull design is inherently less powerful than the dual-pivot design common in modern road brakes. But the 200SL gets maximum power and responsiveness from its set-up. The arms are cold-forged for strength and stability, the pivot rolls on an oil-impregnated bronze bushing, and the green brake pads improve braking friction.

There's a performance benefit from such a significant savings in weight. At 250 grams a pair, you pick up 70 grams or more compared to Shimano and Campagnolo dual-pivot brakes. The 200SL brakes have also been race-proven by pro teams like Shaklee and the LA Sheriffs and many top pro triathletes.

Is the 200SL brake compatible with any brake levers?

Yes. The light spring in the 200SL calipers matches up well with any road lever, including dual-control levers from Shimano and Campagnolo and triathlon-style levers like the Dia-Compe 188.

What about the 200SL's green brake pads?

The green pads on the 200SL brakes are a high-friction compound. Originally they were designed specifically for ceramic braking surfaces. The performance can vary on different rims. We've gotten various feedback on certain rims and conditions. They are recommended for all rims and conditions, but your results may vary. If you have ceramic or carbon rims, the pads will work especially well. Keep in mind that as with braking system, braking friction can be compromised by the pads picking up grit and by a dirty, uneven rim surface.

When you say the Direct Curve 5 brake's arms are reversible, what exactly does that mean?

The Direct Curve 5 is set up as a modular system that gives you unprecedented flexibility in how you set up the brakes. This enables you to set up the cleanest cable routing for maximum braking efficiency. And for bikes with balky cable traffic, like some dual-suspension frames, the Direct Curve 5 brakes are especially valuable.

How it works:

Most everything on the Direct Curve 5 brakes is bolted on and removable, including the spring mechanism and the brake-pad bracket. There are two arms: the longer, more curved arm receives the cable and its housing, while the shorter arm is topped with a cable-fixing bolt. So if you decide you want the cable to enter the brake on the side opposite the given set-up, you can take apart the Direct Curve 5 brakes, reverse the arms, and reassemble the pieces. It's simple.

What if my Cane Creek brakes are squealing or chattering?

With any brake, the first thing to do in the event of squeal or chatter is to make sure the pads are properly toed in. The front of the brake pad must contact the rim first.

If your pads are not tied in correctly, you can adjust them by loosening the pad bolt, re-canting the pad, and re-tightening the bolt. For the 200SL only: If that does not dial in sufficient toe-in, you can resort to the old "rag technique"—i.e. cover a brake arm with a rag and take a pair of pliers to it, gently twisting the arm in the toe-in direction. Because the arms are cold-forged, you can mildly bend them without affecting the strength.

Finally, all pads will pick up some grit or other foreign matter, which can score the rim, decrease braking power, and make noise. Keeping pads and rim surfaces clean—and switching to new pads when necessary—will minimize this problem.

What is the difference between the Direct Curve 5 and Direct Curve 2 brakes?

The main difference is the Direct Curve 5's modular adjustability, which provides an uncommonly precise bicycle interface. All pieces of the Direct Curve 5 are detachable--bolts, springs, pad brackets--so you can reverse the arms and mount the brake pads fore or aft of the arms.

The Direct Curve 2 does not have the same complete modularity, and it uses standard brake pads instead of the Direct Curve 5's cartridge brake pads. Other than that, however, the fundamental shape and design of the two brakes are very similar--including the key attribute of no cable noodle in the way of the direct-pull efficiency. And the Direct Curve 2 is about half the cost of the Direct Curve 5.

How are the Direct Curve brakes different from other long-arm rim brakes?

The main difference--and benefit--of the Direct Curve design is the lack of a cable noodle at the cable's entry point and no linkages joining the arms and pads. This direct design cuts down on friction, giving you smooth, predictable braking action from lever to brake to rim. Additionally, the Direct Curve 5 has greater adjustability features that enable it to better conform to the geometry of individual bikes.

How is the Direct Curve lever different from other long-pull brake levers?

The Direct Curve 2 lever's most exclusive feature is a small 2.5mm hex adjuster that takes up tolerances at the pivot, which assures you of a slop-free, always-smooth lever stroke. This feature also helps extend the performance of the lever, because it compensates for wear that develops from repeated use. Aside from this hidden pivot adjuster, the Direct Curve brake lever is a nice functional high-quality lever. The lever handle is made from cold-forged aluminum for high strength.

Are the Direct Curve brakes and levers a unified system, or do they work with other brakes or levers?

The Direct Curve brakes work with most modern MTB brake levers, and the Direct Curve levers work with most modern long-arm brakes. They are well-suited as a combination, as the low friction in the lever and brake yield extra-smooth braking power. But like any long-arm, high-leverage brakes, the Direct Curve 5 and 2 are compatible with any brake lever that can pull a lot of cable per stroke (all modern mountain levers designed for "V-type" brakes are OK). And by the same token, the Direct Curve brake lever matches up well with any "V-type" long-arm brake.