Bicycle brakes - apparently there's different sorts!

[Chris600v]

With the straddle cable, why longer? My understanding was that shortening it would increase the mechanical advantage

If you set the caliper arms wider apart you will likely need a longer straddle cable anyway. It's a while since I've had a bike with cantis, but my set up was something like this:
Adjust the arms as wide as possible.
Adjust the pads close to the rim, with a little toe-in.
Fit the straddle cable, this needs to be as close to horizontal as you can, subject to tyre/mudguard clearance.
Fine tune the brake cable/straddle cables for the most effective brake. The lever should feel a little 'soft', if it feels hard the brakes wont be as good.
Always use good quality branded pads, I preferred kool-stop.
Some good info here: https://bike.bikegremlin.com/1739/cantilever-brake-adjustment/

 

[Orinoco]

IMHO that decision is usually dependent upon the quality of the steel used for the frame. For a kid's bike it's largely irrelevant (except for the weight, why are kids' bikes so heavy) but on an adult bike it's more significant.

Simon's bike appears to have Reynolds tubing, possibly 531 - if Adrian's is the same, it strengthens the argument for keeping it.

Plus... getting an old bike really sorted is just good fun.

Thanks for all the replies and advice

It is definitely worthwhile, the frame is Reynolds 531ST, mostly Deore groups, it's 1995, so it's cassette, have a look here at the last version of the Club Tour... https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/touring-bikes/thorn-club-tour-mk5-review

I know mine is older, but it is quite lovely to ride and even with what I've spent on it is definitely far better than buying a new bike of the same value and buying a newer version s/h still looking at £1000+

... plus, it's been fun

 

[Orinoco]

My (1990s?) Thorn Explorer, bought secondhand 15-20 years ago through CTC advert and in regular use. Solid and reliable, not the lightest bike but will undoubtedly see me out! (And yes I know the Ortlieb pannier bag is not properly closed! )
View attachment 479266

Nice, I didn't realise they made a solo Explorer

 

[Orinoco]

Is this an open invite or just for West Bay locals

See thread in SW section

 

[simondippenhall]

IMHO that decision is usually dependent upon the quality of the steel used for the frame. For a kid's bike it's largely irrelevant (except for the weight, why are kids' bikes so heavy) but on an adult bike it's more significant.

Simon's bike appears to have Reynolds tubing, possibly 531 - if Adrian's is the same, it strengthens the argument for keeping it.

Plus... getting an old bike really sorted is just good fun.

Yes Reynolds 531...and with those biggish wheel rims and relaxed trail angle the bike rides beautifully on gnarly country lanes or down very steep hills, more confidence inducing than my lightweight carbon Trek Madone....although a lot more effort to shift!