Tektro's CR720 cantilever brakes are quite possibly the best value on the market in terms of quality, adjustability, and braking performance. The wide profile design enables the brakes to be set up with ample rim clearance for use on the muddiest of cyclocross courses, yet CR720s still offer plenty of power and modulation for use on loaded commuter or touring rigs.
CR720s allow spring tension to be tweaked independently on each arm to make setup a breeze, and a fully adjustable straddle cable carrier makes for a brake that can be optimized for use in any condition.
- For use with short pull levers
- For front or rear use*
- Uses Shimano compatible road brake pad inserts
- Dual tension adjusters
- Straddle cable and carrier are included
- 121 grams
*Pads are factory installed for rear wheel use. For front wheel use, interchange the pads
Customer Reviews

reviewed by:
rob...@ya...o.comWhat a deal! All the power of the more expensive canti brakes with a fraction of the cost. FYI TRP brakes are made by Tektro, (Tektro Racing Products).

reviewed by:
A GuestGreat upgrade from the stock set of Tektro Oryx breaks on my touring bike. These are much stiffer, and they seem to have eliminated the nasty squeak I couldn't fix even after installing new pads cleaning the rims several times. They are also much lighter. They are not very expensive at full price, but Tree Fort gives and even better deal.

reviewed by:
midgetmaestroThese are great brakes for your budget cx build! The stock pads are not as good as others, but with the Dura type pad cartridges, you can swap in any pad that you wish.

reviewed by:
A GuestNo more squeaking! That was my main concern in upgrading, but the quality and low price of these make them great all around. On my touring bike (Fuji Touring, 58 cm, 2007 model) there is enough clearance for large Axiom Typhoon panniers on the back rack, but with a different frame/rack/pannier combo there might be clearance problems. These brakes do stick out farther than most.

reviewed by:
A GuestInstalled easy, work well, no squealing! Way better than the Avid Shorties I had!

reviewed by:
thackJust like the other reviews have indicated, these are incredibly well-made and capable cantilever brakes for the price. Super easy to set up and no squeal. I bought these to build a Surly Cross-Check commuter/tourer for a friend. They perform almost indistinguishably from the much more expensive TRP Euro-X's on my CX racer. The only penalty is weight. So what's not to like!?
WAY, WAY better than Avid Shortys. Buy these!

reviewed by:
A GuestInstalled these on an old mountain bike I've converted for fast city riding. Easy to install, nice finish and I really like the straddle hanger set-up. Oh, and they also stop well. More than you'd expect for the money.

reviewed by:
niknakThis is an excellent brake for the money. My only gripe is with the centering screws. They don't add/release enough spring tension to center the pads. I had to manipulate the spring itself to get the pads centered.

reviewed by:
samowenInstalled these as the rear brake on my cargo truck bike (replacing an awful long pull V-Brake), coupled with new short pull levers these are INCREDIBLE. I used them with a long wheelbase bike and a Jannd expedition rear rack with full size panniers and had no clearance issues, though be advised they do stick out like most old school/higher end canti's. I ordered two more sets to replace the Avid Shorty 4's on my cross check and I can't wait for them to come. I do recommend replacing the pads though with something of a higher quality compound, but given that, they are overall a super super good deal.

reviewed by:
mic...@gm...l.comI have had 4 different of the top brands of canti brakes. These are way better on all accounts. Great price too, and great service from treefort as always!!!

reviewed by:
A GuestMy old cantilevers were not offering much stopping power on my front wheel. The Tektro 720 made a HUGE difference. I now have greatly increased braking ability. The Tektros are easy to install and adjust. With the added Kool Stop Dura 2 salmon pads, smooth stops that are easy to control. Very good price from Tree Fort Bikes too!
Great upgrade on my 1994 Cannondale MTB. Wish I had done this sooner!

reviewed by:
A GuestThese came on my main cross bike and I wanted to put them on my singlespeed CX bike too. They used to have a long vee brake style pad holders. Now they come with a short style pad holder. I haven't tried the new style as a front brake so I'm not sure it a bad thing. The new style pads seem to have a decent compound, unlike the old hard as plastic type, that required immediate replacement with coolstop salmons.

reviewed by:
cavalinioThe weight of set on my scale was about 160g so it's more than advertised here.
Very easy to adjust, after first set up they work just fine.

reviewed by:
csuhickeyVery happy with these brakes. They're easy to install and adjust and the stopping power is good even with the stock pads. Huge upgrade from my old brakes which were very hard to keep adjusted properly.

reviewed by:
mic...@gm...l.comGreat stopping power. smooth action. works great with STI levers and cross levers combo. much better action and smoother operation (no squeal, no chatter) than some famous named brand brakes that I've used. great price.

reviewed by:
adlu10very good upgrade for an old mtb with crappy altus cantilevers. these are well designed and easy to adjust. very satisfied so far, but haven't used them much yet.