V-brake differences

[Justin]

Hi

 

 

 

I currently have el-cheapo v-brakes on my bike. Does it really make any difference to have really expensive v-brakes compared to cheap ones? Is there a noticeable difference?

[Elvis]

Dunno, but I use avid 20 V-brakes and they're great. But nothing can compare to discs so I'm busy converting. They have amazing specials on disc brakes at crc now.

[Johan Bornman]

The better V-brakes have parallellogram linkages that keep the pads perpendicular to the rims througout the movement towards the wheel. This makes the pads usable up to the last sliver, sees to even wear and prevents problems listed under:

 

The cheaper ones: Pads wear unevenly. Pads could "Dive" into spokes with excessive wear, only half the rubber is usable.

 

[vanniri]

Apart from the parallel thing JB is referring to (and I agree with) - I have also notice a marked improvement with different lever combinations and by swapping to ceramic rims (and brake blocks).

 

I had the best experiences with XTR and Avid single digits (9.0 I think). Latter one has less maintenance issues.

 

Regarding the pads - Koolstop used to make, well, really cool one?s. XTR ain?t bad either.

 

In dry weather a proper set-up V-Brake with ceramics is as good as a 160mm hydraulic Disc on a XC bike.

 

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I go downhill quiet a bit on my way home (and about 1km to work). I noticed that I need to brake 7 times at speeds about 40km/h (max 50k/h). I just have standard pads on my V-brakes and want to upgrade them to something better.

 

I also weigh 96kg and have a entry level commuter - Giant Rock.

 

My concern is when it rains vs dry conditions. What is the best as I see Koolstop are hard to come by even on CRC. Does anybody have an opinion on RavX pads? (the RavX rep is my neighbour so his opionion will be biased)

 

[Tumbleweed]

I go downhill quiet a bit on my way home (and about 1km to work). I noticed that I need to brake 7 times at speeds about 40km/h (max 50k/h). I just have standard pads on my V-brakes and want to upgrade them to something better.I also weigh 96kg and have a entry level commuter - Giant Rock.My concern is when it rains vs dry conditions. What is the best as I see Koolstop are hard to come by even on CRC. Does anybody have an opinion on RavX pads? (the RavX rep is my neighbour so his opionion will be biased)

 

 

 

 

bbb make a great triple compound set.holy roller2009-05-22 20:15:16

[Guest Big H]

Tandems and the stopping power on tandems must be the ultimate test bed for V-brakes.

 

Cheap V-brakes does not make the grade. When we recently bought our Raleigh Tandem I fitted the Avid Arch Rivals to the Tandem. The difference in braking and nmodulation was immediately notceable. I would rate it better that the Hope M4 180mm rotor disks we have on our MTB Tandem. We had the Arch Rivals on the MTB Tandem before we upgraded to the Hope disks. I do not think Avid makes the Arch Rivals any more.

 

We also replaced the V-brakes on our Tandem we have in Angola with Shimano XT v-brakes. They also work extremely well.

 

Both brakes mentioned above also works with the paralellogram method johan explained above.

 

These brakes in conjuction with the BBB triple compoud brake bocks are extremely awesome.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Thanks BigH. Will get a pair of BBB triple (found it recommended about everywhere else too).

 

Is it the XT or XTR Shimano you have as it seems the XTR is the only one with parallellogram linkages.

 

I cannot go Disc as it is too expensive for me - new hub, new levers, new brakes ... and a descent XTR is still cheaper than a crappy disc. I went VBrake because all the bikes in my budget only had crappy disc brakes.

 

[Guest Big H]

Thanks BigH. Will get a pair of BBB triple (found it recommended about everywhere else too).

Is it the XT or XTR Shimano you have as it seems the XTR is the only one with parallellogram linkages.

I cannot go Disc as it is too expensive for me - new hub' date=' new levers, new brakes ... and a descent XTR is still cheaper than a crappy disc. I went VBrake because all the bikes in my budget only had crappy disc brakes.
[/quote']

 

They are these....

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/3402.jpg

Shimano XT V-Brake M760 From

234.47 ZAR

V-Brakes offer powerful braking in a lightweight, simple, time-proven design.
Cartridge shoe brake pads. Parallel link.

? Reinforced Parallel Link - Yes
? Brake Pad Types - S70C
? Fixing Bolt Length - 25mm
? Spring Tension Adjuster - Yes
? Average Weight - 502g

 

 

 

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Good price, as the XTR (ex taxes and duties) is > 800 ZAR on CRC.

 

Thinks I'll get a set of those then.