Marketed as a road series, Jagwire Pro Cantilever pads aren’t compatible with the latest generation of wide-arm cross-type brakes but they are the perfect performance perk for older Shimano M-system brakes and others employing 7mm thread bolts. The cartridge design means they can be upgraded for something condition-specific should you prefer, but the standard compound has inspiring confidence in all weathers.
Jagwire claim these are compatible with all rim types (including ceramic and carbon), and they’re easy to fit – the long threaded studs offer ample adjustment while the pads align beautifully when employing the old strip-of-card trick. Fitted to my Univega’s Tektro/Dia Compe brakes, they have felt bang on from the outset, keeping the 90kg mass of bike, me and laden trailer fully in check without the faintest hint of squeal.
Three pronounced water channels undoubtedly enhance wet-weather prowess but they have a tendency to accumulate grit, evolving into a grinding paste given 20-odd miles of greasy backroads. That said, it’s no worse than you get with many other brands but make sure you inspect them regularly and chase debris clear with a toothpick.
Pad life is difficult to quantify and will vary according to rider weight, riding style and conditions, but early indications suggest the moderate compound should return a couple of season’s hard road service before retirement. Exchanging pads is simply a question of loosening the 2mm Allen key and slipping a fresh set in their place. Given that a complete set leaves change from £20, these are a smart choices for working, winter and cross mounts and they're capable of giving more exotic choices a good run for their money.
Verdict
Smart upgrades for older/budget cantilever brakesets
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Jagwire Pro Cantilever brake pads
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
"Superior braking performance
High-power with excellent modulation
Long-wearing
Excellent wet weather control"
Marketed as a road pad but they are capable enough performers when conditions get muddy.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 37 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)