Bicycle Mechanics - Brake levers for "v-brakes" vs. canti's/caliper

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awc380
08-06-08, 08:30 PM
I understand the need for different levers depending on the two brakes...but how can you tell them apart?

I have two basic, black, brandless mountain bike brake levers, and I know for a fact that one had old canti brakes while the other had Tektro 'v-brakes' (direct-pull cantis). They don't seem markedly different.

Anyone know how to tell, short of mounting them?

JiveTurkey
08-06-08, 11:19 PM
Measure the distance between where the lever pivots and where the cable (or the little cable hanger if there's one) attaches to the lever. The lever with the longer distance would be the V- levers.
dabac
08-07-08, 01:21 PM
Measure the distance between where the lever pivots and where the cable (or the little cable hanger if there's one) attaches to the lever. The lever with the longer distance would be the V- levers.

+1

Canti brake levers usually measure 28 mm from lever pivot to cable attachment, while V-levers tends to run around 35 mm.