Avid Shorty Ultimate
Shorty Ultimate
Avid

Avid Shorty Ultimate

In Stock

The Avid Shorty Ultimate is a lightweight aluminum cantilever brake with an open design for exceptional mud clearance and road-lever compatibility. Cartridge pads and 115g weight make it ideal for cyclocross and muddy conditions.

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Available Options

Option Price Availability
Avid, Shorty Ultimate, Front Cantilever Brake, Black — In Stock
Avid, Shorty Ultimate, Rear Cantilever Brake, Black — In Stock

Product Details

Overview — Lightweight, mud‑ready cantilever technology

The Avid Shorty Ultimate is a purpose-built cantilever brake designed for cyclocross-style use where mud clearance, modulation and low weight matter. Constructed from machined aluminum, the Shorty Ultimate delivers reliable stopping power while keeping rotating mass and overall bike weight low — this single front unit weighs just 115g. The brake’s open-arm architecture is engineered to shed mud and debris on wet courses and rough winter rides. That open design, combined with a road-type cartridge pad system, gives predictable bite and easy pad changes when you’re working in the pits or the garage.

Technology & construction

The Shorty Ultimate uses an all‑aluminum caliper body with precision machining for stiffness where it counts and slim sections to reduce weight. The cartridge-style pads accept replaceable inserts for fast servicing and consistent performance across conditions. Aluminum arms are corrosion-resistant and the exposed design prevents mud build-up — a practical advantage over enclosed systems. Key identifiers: SRAM model ID RB-SRTY-U-A1 and Manufacturer Part #: 00.5115.028.030. This single‑position unit is available as front or rear variants in black finish and ships in compact packaging (6.3" x 2.5" x 6.6", 0.5 lb).

Fit & compatibility

The Shorty Ultimate is compatible with standard road brake levers and traditional cantilever cable routing. It accepts road‑type cartridge pads and will work with standard cantilever bosses on cyclocross and vintage-style frames. The brake is designed for mechanical setup with a straddle cable — typical of cantilever systems — and provides the lever feel road riders expect. When fitting, check boss spacing and post height to ensure full pad contact across the rim. Because the Shorty Ultimate is sold as single units (front or rear), order matching front/rear pieces or pair with a Shorty rear for symmetrical performance.

Who this is for

The Shorty Ultimate is aimed at cyclocross racers, winter commuters and riders who favor rim brakes for low weight and simplicity. If you pedal muddy fields, need easy pad swaps in a pit, or run classic road levers on a drop-bar gravel or CX bike, the Shorty delivers a focused, mud-shedding solution. It’s also a smart choice for anyone restoring a classic cyclocross or road/gravel frame where disc retrofit isn’t desired — offering modern pad convenience with period-correct caliper style and reliable modulation.

Key Features

  • ✓ Open-arm design for exceptional mud and debris clearance
  • ✓ Lightweight machined aluminum construction at 115g
  • ✓ Compatible with standard road brake levers and cantilever bosses
  • ✓ Cartridge-style road pads for quick replacement and reliable bite
  • ✓ SRAM model ID RB-SRTY-U-A1; MPN 00.5115.028.030
  • ✓ Available as front or rear; finished in durable black

Specifications

Brake Material Aluminum
Pad Type Cartridge
Brake Weight 115g
Position Front
Primary Color Black

Product Identifiers

Vendor Item # 00.5115.028.030
UPC 710845639869

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shorty Ultimate brakes compatible with my road brake levers?

Yes. The Shorty Ultimate is designed to work with standard road levers that provide the shorter, higher‑pull stroke suited to cantilever brakes. Ensure you use a proper straddle cable setup to get the correct mechanical advantage.

Can I replace the pads and what pad type do they use?

The Shorty Ultimate uses cartridge-style road pads, so the pads are user-replaceable without special tools. Cartridge pads mean quick swaps in muddy conditions and consistent wear performance.

Is this a single brake or a pair?

Variants are sold as single units (front or rear). If you need both, order the front and rear variants separately to build a matched set for your bike.

Will the Shorty Ultimate fit modern frames with disc mounts?

No. The Shorty Ultimate mounts to traditional cantilever bosses on the frame or fork. It won't attach to frames designed exclusively for disc brakes unless the frame still has cantilever posts.

How does the Shorty Ultimate perform in wet, muddy conditions?

The open-arm design actively sheds mud and debris, maintaining pad-to-rim contact during wet rides. Pairing the design with cartridge road pads gives predictable bite and easier cleaning between races or rides.

What adjustments are commonly needed after installation?

You’ll need to set pad toe-in, center the arms on the boss, and adjust the straddle cable height and length to tune lever feel and modulation. Regularly check pad wear and cable tension for consistent braking.

Buying Guide

When choosing cantilever brakes, confirm frame/fork boss compatibility and whether your levers produce the correct cable pull (road levers are ideal for the Shorty Ultimate). Consider pad compound — cartridge pads let you swap compounds (soft for wet, hard for dry) quickly between races or seasons. Measure the intended brake position and rim clearance to ensure the Shorty Ultimate provides full contact without rubbing. If you run heavy loads or very large rims, verify stopping power and modulation in a test ride; for most cyclocross and gravel setups this design balances weight and performance well.

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