Tell me more ×
Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 4 down vote favorite
2

I've got a surly cross check with straight bars, v-brakes, and mountain shifters. I was considering a switch to a drop bar setup for cyclocross racing so I have an alternative to my single speed cross bike. I'll be switching to STI shifters, so I have to replace my brakes since Shimano STI levers don't work well with the existing v-brakes.

I am considering a pair of TRP CX9, Tektro RX6, or Paul's Mini Moto. These should be compatible with my STI levers. However, due to a lack of information about this, I need to know why I would prefer cantilever brakes to the mini-v option?

Possible issues I was considering:

  • Do mini v-brakes have to sit closer to the rim? Will this cause me to slow down more when my wheel goes through an inch or two of mud?
  • Are the mini v-brakes going to be as effective at stopping? Will the modulation be poor, causing me to OTB more often when I try to stop suddenly?
  • Is there a large difference in tire clearance between mini v-brakes and cantilever brakes?

    If it matters, I tend to ride a lot in the northeast/mid-atlantic region of the US and it gets really muddy here, so I doubt most races will involve a dry pack course. I also tend to get out on to real trails and ride on mountain bike singletrack from time to time.

    • share|improve this question
    Have you thought of putting a travel agent on your existing V's? It may just be one more widget to wear out, but it would give you a bit of flexibility in finding functional brakes. – WTHarper Dec 6 '12 at 3:56
    No, I want new brakes. My old ones have rusty hardware and springs, and two different brake models between front and rear. I'm legitimately concerned that I'll snap off the bolt that holds the cable if I have to tighten it again. – Benzo Dec 6 '12 at 6:06

    1 Answer

    up vote 1 down vote

    While I don't have any experience with road type v-brakes, I was considering them for a while and asked my LBS about them. They told me that the biggest difference is that v-brakes offer more stopping power than cantilevers but also make feathering the brakes for speed control more difficult.

    share|improve this answer

    Your Answer

     
    discard

    By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

    Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.