Complete with discrete Surly logo, the Braker is basically a stainless steel paperclip on steroids but the perfect replacement for chrome plated seat/cable hanger bolts commonly found on cyclo cross and touring bikes. It’s also a really elegant solution to the problem of running cantilevers on frames built for linear pulls. That said anyone with rudimentary metal working skills could fabricate a replica in minutes using scraps from the spares bin.
Performing the transplant on my mtb-based cross hack complete with its ugly but arguably competent cable tied reflector bracket bodge took 15 minutes, because I needed to release the inner wires. Simply extract the binder bolt and position the clip end between the ears. Replace and tighten as usual. Feed the cable into the barrel adjuster before connecting and adjusting the brakes-job done. Despite some initial concerns, there’s adequate length to accommodate most framesets (between 41 and 60cm at least) and it doesn’t seem to mind nestling between old-fashioned binder bolts or modern collars.
The barrel adjuster on our test sample felt arthritic, benefiting from a drop of oil on the threads- something I’d do as matter of course on winter/cross bikes without guards. Not only does it add the finishing touch to a classic steel frame but creeping just over 6g on the scales it will save a few grams over cheaper models/ back yard specials. Feeling really tight, I might not pop it on a hack but frankly it does the job, looks great and won’t corrode.
Verdict
Elegant, well-made replacement cable guide for cross and touring bikes
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Surly Braker hanger
Size tested: n/a
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?
In a nutshell, Surly's braker is an elegant stainless steel rear brake cable hanger designed primarily for cross and touring frames but could also come in handy for running a centre-pull on a winter fixed.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Stainless steel, 75mm long 6g
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Surly's braker provides a lightweight elegant solution to the traditional chrome cable hanger but works particularly well marrying cantilevers to bikes built for linear pull (V brakes).
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Elegant and corrosion resistant.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing but could be be considered overpriced by some.
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: 36 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)
4 comments
The point about these is that they allow you to adjust cantilver brakes and to slack them off to take the wheel out, which static hangers don't (unless the brakes are well off the rims anyway). For that reason I fitted one of these to my Van Nicholas Amazon in place of the supplied hanger, which had no adjustment - I had to source it from the USA at the time. Its very nicely made and I defy anyone to 'fabricate a replica in minutes using scraps from the spares bin'.
you don't want to challenge shaun to anything like that. This is a man who makes his own waxoyl, for goodness' sake
But can he laser etch an 'S' into a stainless steel threaded barrel for less than £7.99?
heh. he'll die trying i'm sure
good point about the adjustment though. duly noted.