@sonic - yeah, I'm not surprised they come in 2 versions, I have a road actuated BB7 in the shed. Just thought I'd ask in case the factory bought a batch of the wrong model.
@gaz - that sounds broken - sudden and catastrophic failure, totally different problem to the brakes being a bit weak. No idea how these brakes work, but it sounds like a snail cam or something, if you can pull it harder and harder until it suddenly slackens off with a crack. It would explain why your brakes work when the pads are set up close, but as soon as your cable stretches requiring a bit more pull then you can go past the "point of no return". Can you replicate it at home on the bike stand?
Anyway it sounds defective from your description, and therefore unsafe. I'd demand my money back or a replacement brake. Good luck man
@gaz - that sounds broken - sudden and catastrophic failure, totally different problem to the brakes being a bit weak. No idea how these brakes work, but it sounds like a snail cam or something, if you can pull it harder and harder until it suddenly slackens off with a crack. It would explain why your brakes work when the pads are set up close, but as soon as your cable stretches requiring a bit more pull then you can go past the "point of no return". Can you replicate it at home on the bike stand?
Anyway it sounds defective from your description, and therefore unsafe. I'd demand my money back or a replacement brake. Good luck man