Neo-Retro The Neo-Retro is a wide-profile cantilever brake with a design based on the geometry of the famous Mafac Tandem brake. Where the Neo-Retro differs from its classic heritage is in its modern materials and adjustability.
The arms of the Neo-Retro are machined from lightweight 6061 aluminum. Their T-shaped cross section prevents the brake from flexing too much under load.
The brake pads mount to slots in the arms that allow for vertical positioning. The toe-in and angle can be fine-tuned thanks to the spherical washers on the brake pad threaded posts.
The long arms give the Neo-Retro lots of mechanical advantage and supreme mud clearance. However, for smaller frames and those with panniers, we will often recommend our narrower Touring Canti brake.
Like all of our brakes, the Neo-Retro has a sealed pivot mechanism. Rubber seals and a stainless steel bushing keep the brake arms turning smoothly no matter what you’re riding through. The spring tension can be adjusted in both pivots to center the brake and to adjust the strength of the return swing.
The Neo-Retro stands out with its stopping power, high adjustability, low easy maintenance, and classic looks. The brakes come with their pivots pre-greased and with all necessary hardware. The Moon Unit cable carrier is not included.
Note: These are very powerful brakes and have a tendency to overpower thin tubed frames (in any material). For none-too-stout frames and forks we recommend our Touring Canti. Also, the arms stick out a lot! For smaller frames, bikes with bags, and people with large feet there can be some interference problems, in which case the Touring Canti might be more appropriate.
Please note that all of our brakes are sold per wheel.
Technical Information - Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Weight: 100g
- Finish: Anodized or Polished
- Anodized Color: Black or Silver
- Cable Pull: Short Pull
- Short pull brakes have less leverage than long pull brakes and require a shorter amount of cable to be pulled when they are actuated.
- They are intended only for use with short pull brake levers such as our Cross Levers or Canti Levers, or short pull drop bar brake levers.
- Brake Pads: Salmon Kool Stop Thinline
Exploded Assembly Drawing: ![]()
Spring Placement: ![]()
