I'm running Avid Shorty 4 brakes on my 'cross bike. On a good day, with the
right humidity and the good lighting, the braking power fore-and-aft is
sufficient. Most of the time, however, it leaves something to be desired.
I have tried nearly all manner of brake pads (Ritcheys seem the best by
far), am running a Salsa cable hanger (which helped a lot). With enough
time and watchmaker's precision, I can get them dialed in. But, they still
kinda...well...suck. I forget until I ride my race bike with compound road
brakes. I know cantis will never be that powerful, but it still gives me
the willies on a wet day.

What are my options? I've read in a few places that the Shimano BR550s are
easier to adjust with better stopping power - any opinions out there?
Anyone have a set of Pauls they'll let go cheap? (Yeah, right). Any other
suggestions?

Thanks.

-Joel

--
__o "It never gets easier,
_ \
(_)/(_) -- Greg LeMond