Dia compe 980 any good?

[Jeffrey B]

I’m going to experiment with brakes soon because it’s fun and I like to try different stuff. Coming from shimano cx-50s, which I find effective but don’t care for the looks. Any first hand opinions about the beautiful dia comps that Riv sells?

https://www.rivbike.com/products/dc-980-cantilever-brakes

Jeff

[Mark Roland]

I only have experience with the vintage 980s. They effectively stop the bike and have that old school charm. I don't see why the re-issues wouldn't do the same; looks like Riv spec'd best quality modern pads, too. I consider this first-hand opinion, since A. it's mine (:^) and B. the brakes are essentially the same. Once dialed in*, they will be  lovely..

*some people don't like this part with old-school cantilevers. Might be slightly more finicky than the CX-50s (I have a set of CX-70s for an upcoming build but have not started that project.)

[Mike Godwin]

Hi Jeff

I have one bike's worth on my Atlantis. They set up easier than versions from 25 years ago. They stop well with Tektro levers. The front is grabby, I don't know if it is the pads or the rim surface?  But no problem stopping, easy set up, look classy.

Mike SLO CA

[Bill Lindsay]

I have them on two bikes and I like them very much.

Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito Ca

[RichS]

Jeff,

I have the new 980s as well. They replaced Shimano CX70s. The 980s look much better and function just as well as the CX70s. Did not try the original pads; replaced with KoolStops.

Best,

Rich in ATL  

[Jeffrey B]

Great feedback all, thank you!
New brakes are on order...

Jeff

[Luke Volkmann]

It sounds like you've already made the decision to buy them, but I'd like to give another thumbs up vote. I use them on my 90's Ibis cross bike with mustache bars. They seem well thought through in that they set up easy and give me a balance of power and modulation that I like. I also like how they look. I wouldn't hesitate buying them again for another bike. 

On Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 6:33:39 PM UTC-8, Jeffrey B wrote: