Cantilever brakes with V brake levers?

leftpoole · Post by **leftpoole** » 17 Jun 2007, 4:12pm

Hello,
I am about to ask what some may think is a daft question, but here goes.
I know that V brakes do not work well (if at all) with Cantilever brake levers, but has anyone had experience using Cantilever brakes with V brake levers? Really like to know as I am about to build up a bike useing just as described. I want cantilever not V but have XT gear and brake levers combined.
John.

georgew · Post by **georgew** » 17 Jun 2007, 5:22pm

The problem with using V brake levers with cantis is that the V brake levers pull more cable than do canti levers. The brakes will work but there will be no modulation i.e. the brakes will be on or off, and this can be dangerous.
I think you will find that there are V brakes for sale on ebay at very reasonable prices and these are sold separately from the levers.

leftpoole · Post by **leftpoole** » 17 Jun 2007, 8:06pm

Hello, Thanks for the info. I actually have a couple of sets of V brakes. I want to use my Suntour XCE Pro Self Energising Cantis which I am very comfortable with. However if I need to I will use the Vs, but reluctantly!
John.

Post by Si » 17 Jun 2007, 9:11pm

better to use the proper levers - the extra pull of the V-levers will mean less mechanical advantage so they will feel less powerful.

leftpoole · Post by **leftpoole** » 19 Jun 2007, 8:10pm

Its all accademic now as I decided to stick with drop bars amnd bar end shifters. Much more traditional as I am!
John.

gaz · Post by **gaz** » 28 Jun 2007, 2:50pm

leftpoole · Post by **leftpoole** » 28 Jun 2007, 4:03pm

Hello,
Thanks for this information, I shall bear it in mind for the future should an occurence occur as it were! Happy now with the drops anyhow.
John.