Specialized has a carbon Crux Pro available for around $2300. There are several steel and titanium framesets still available with cantilever brake mounts, my favorite being the Ritchey Swisscross, which I am seriously considering. No secret that by and large manufactures have aborted cantilever brakes on cross bikes in favor of discs. Here’s all the advantages of disc brakes:
- They stop better. This may give you more confidence, improving performance.
- They may clear mud better than cantis. Gravel grinding this is less of an issue unless conditions are real bad.
- Usually quieter under load.
Here are the advantages cantilever brakes provide me personally over discs:
- Lighter
- Easier to adjust and maintain (this is subjective but I have no problems).
- Quieter when not in use, or loaded
- No bent rotors rubbing the pads.
- It’s easier to take the wheels on and off without risk of rotor damage. I remove a wheel daily to put the bike on the rack.
Overall canti’s have always been a better option for my riding conditions and maintenance requirements. I’m not heavy and I’ve only had one instance when a rear canti failed and therefore inhibited my braking power. Other people may have factors in play guiding the opposite. Regardless, I wish there was still a better selection of carbon frames with cantilever mounts and reasonable price tags.