Cross brakes problems on Specialized Singlecross Tricross

I can imagine.
A (too) short straddle cable makes a canti brake too powerfull. It doesn't give a strong an reliable feeling, but a strange, uncertain and spongy feeling.

Because canti brakes on cyclocross / roadbikes are mainly combined with drop bars and Shimano STI or Campag Ergopower brake levers, brake setup is always tricky.

Canti brakes need more cable pull than these levers can provide.
You can overcome this by using longer straddle cables. This results in more brake shoe displacement for each mm of lever pull.

1. More brake block to rim clearance
   
2. Better brake feel and better stopping performance.
   
   

Next to that, cable routing should always be 100%. Very important. Cable finishing and adjustment always takes around 2 hours for a cross bike.