Specialized cross bikes look like they will be fitted with mini V-brakes rather than cantilevers for 2009. A regular complaint laid at the 2008 and earlier bikes was brake and fork shudder. This only occurred under heavy braking, and thus was never really a problem during cyclo-cross races.

However, for riders using their bikes for commuting and general road use, it was an issue and it was frustrating to find the company denying that there was any substance to these claims. Talking to the guys at London’s Cycle show it is apparent that brake and fork judder was an issue and that Specialized, along with a number of other ‘cross bike brands, will be fitting short-arm V brakes for the ’09 model year.