The Globe and Mail has a section that they title "Darts and Laurels" where they give praise to some things whilst criticizing harshly others. It's in that spirit that I review two products today. The first, would it be soft enough for it to accept one, would have a dart hucked furiously at its being. It's a Syntace F99 stem. For certain it's not a cheap item retailing for $129.00 and it's advertised as coming with "stainless steel bolts" but as you can clearly see from the example that I own that someone at Syntace is a Neil Young fan because rust isn't even having a nap before attacking my stem bolts. In fairness, my stem is one of the older ones that were recalled because they were likely to implode or somehow disrupt the time/space continuum and they may have since really switched to stainless steel bolts but regardless of what they do now I find it quite incredible that any company would suggest such a high retail price without automatically including a readily available metal for their bolts that is commonly used for bicycles due to their exposure to the elements.
And now for the good. A "laurel" if you will. Tektro, oh how I love to hate you and hate to love you and with the installation of these brakes I am full of hate because they are wonderful. For years I have sworn an allegiance to Paul Components because of their Neo-Retro brakes which have previously been the best thing on the planet for a cross bike. And then Tektro shows up with these little darlings. I'm sure they won't last as long as the Paul equivalents (which are spectacular in construction), and the hardware will probably rust, but they cost $28 an end vs. the over $100 for the Paul cantis. You'll get a lot of leeway from me for saving me so much money and not just because my fridge will be full of beer paid for with the money I save. These Tektro cantilver brakes are pretty much the best thing going for a cross bike. I've sworn at my Shimano cantis but they didn't hear my cry of disapproval over the brake squeal they emit every time you engage the rim with them. And Paul, oh how I've loved thee, and you will always have a home on my custom swanky cross bike until you wear out and I know that will never happen because you are so indestructible, but Tektro, you've caught my eye and I'm looking forward to seeing where this relationship goes.
1 comment:
Strange as it may seem not all stainless steel is truly stainless. This is most evident if you own a sailboat in a salt water environment. Bolts especially have to be tough which can mean the addition of carbon which makes the bolts tougher but also allows some rust. This is especially true if you sweat drops on any of the bolts (salt water)
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