Self-energizing cantilever brakes (also called helical coil brakes) are an older, and in some ways better, solution to the problem of increasing braking power without the six-ways heavier weight penalty of disc brakes - heavier brake mechanisms, heavier cables (due to increased length), heavier cable housing, and heavier forks/stays, spokes and hubs (to avoid failures caused by increased braking stress on fork blades or seat stays, spokes and hub flanges).  (I put in 40,000 miles of touring, racing, training and commuting on a tandem equipped with SE brakes, with the commuting coming in Seattle rush-hour traffic in all kinds of weather.  Stopping power was never an issue).

SE brakes are front and rear-specific, because the coil threading for rear-facing brake mounts has to be reversed from that for front-facing brake mounts.  This new-in-box set is for rear mounts; it was ordered directly from Pederson in 1995 and kept in storage as a spare.  It comes with all parts and the manual and description page.  It is billed as "programmable" because each brake comes with removable inner and outer helixes.  The brakes have red and black-colored helixes installed, which have a stronger self-energizing effect.  The parts in the box come with a second set of helixes, colored orange and gray.  If you replace the red helixes with the orange ones, and the black helixes with the gray ones, you will have a gentler self-energizing effect and more modulation of braking force.

This set was advertised for MTB use, but they were especially popular on tandems.  They can also be used on some kinds of recumbents that have rear-wheel cantilever mounts, or rare front forks with rear-facing brake mounts.  MADE IN USA.

Measurements are approximate, to the best of our ability.  Colours may vary on different monitors/devices.  Our premises are smoke free.  If you want to purchase more than one item, please go ahead and purchase and pay.  I combine shipping and will promptly refund your shipping overage.  Please use the shopping cart for combo shipping.  

eBay-Required Verbiage:  International Buyers Please Note: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying (but you already knew that).