[i_r_beej]

The subject of "mini-v" brakes came up in another thread-- i though i'd break it out into a separate discussion.

I'm interested in user experience with this type of brake. What accommodations need to be made to use these with STI levers? Do you still need to use a "travel agent" type adapter?

Thanks for any info, links, etc.

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[rlotz]

Tektro Mini-Vs are on the front carbon fork of my wife's Redline Conquest. I picked up the bike used and it doesn't match any recent stock redline spec that I am aware of. The tire clearance and adjustability seem to be worse than my Avid Shortys, but I haven't played with them much. The clearance with 700x35s could just be an issue with the carbon fork not allowing the brake arms to open wide enough. I can report that they do squeal, but a toe in and pad change may fix that. She did mention that the brakes are very "grabby" and somewhat difficult to feather. They're working now with and older 8-speed era shimano STI shifter and no travel adapter.

[Elmar Schrauth]

i have got a lot of experience with mini-v
i have ridden now 40 races with them
i sold very much
andi put about 50 set on bikes by myself
never ever fork-shuttering
never ever screaming
i never change brakepads ,when changing rims from alloy to carbon.
to open the arms wide enough you need a possibilty to realease the cable
we use adjustable pipes
our team changed completly to mini-v ( 7 riders )
last year ther were only two race riders (in all categories) with mini-v ,in all races i rode(germany,luxemburg,master wc in belgium)
last season you could already see 15-20 /race



there are existing a lot of types mini-v
campagnolo mirage and veloce
different tektro types
best are 85 mm long arms
best are the new tektros
they have the strongst feathers
they are lightest
they are cheapest
cheap brakepads fit in there,campagnolo pads are not conform to shimanostandard ,and are very expensive


you dont need a travel agent

photo shows adjustable pipe on Campa mirage
elmar

[i_r_beej]

Elmar-

Can you provide some part or model numbers for the 85mm Tektro brakes?

Oh-- what are the width of the tires in the photo?

Thanks!

[Elmar Schrauth]

Elmar-

Can you provide some part or model numbers for the 85mm Tektro brakes?

Oh-- what are the width of the tires in the photo?

Thanks!

the tries are challenge grifo in 32mm

[Risk]

Hi Elmar, what levers are you running with those campy mirage brakes?
Nice set up if I can get the right levers.
Cheers

[tdblanchard]

i don't have a pic of mine, but these are the ones i have.
link (http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/tech/probikes/?id=/photos/2006/tech/probikes/Davide_Frattini/FrontBrakeFRMCicloX)

they absolutely rule!

[Risk]

What levers are you using?
I've got the bar end shifters so the sti levers arent what I'm after

[Risk]

Nice gear there, but what is the difference in having tektros on the rear and frm's on the front? Do you have the same set up or do you have FRM's front and rear?
I'm struggling to stop with the frog legs and Soma levers, wet or dry they dont seem to have the power.

[4130gibson@sbcg]

I have a Redline Conquest and a Conquest Pro, both running mini-v's, Tektro's on the Conquest, then about a month later I sold my road bike frameset and got the Con. Pro, which I built up with Ultegra STI, and Dia Compe Dia Tech mini-v's, cost comparabale to Tektro, but a little easier to adjust [better springs, methinks] . Anywho the brakes feel a little mushy at the lever, the pads ride close to the rims, so set up is a little touchy, but they STOP! the other bike has 105 STI, byw, and braking power is excellent on both bikes.
If you feel like you want more room between the tires and the brake arms, use the thicker set of concave washers next to the pads; the arms will then spread a bit farther.