Bicycle Mechanics - Cantilever and V brakes

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Braldar
01-31-09, 06:19 PM
Hi. I was given an old Trek 830 MTB with cantilever brakes and the shifters are shot. I have a set of brake levers with shifters built into them off a newer Wally World Schwinn MTB with V brakes and was curious if they would work with the old style cantilevers.

CCrew
01-31-09, 07:16 PM
No, the pull ratios are different.
Braldar
01-31-09, 07:21 PM
that's what i needed to know...
Thanks

Steev
01-31-09, 07:33 PM
You can transfer both the levers and the V-Brakes. They will fit on the cantilever studs.
jgedwa
01-31-09, 07:36 PM
Actually, v-brake levers on canti brakes works pretty well. Other way around is a really bad idea. I actually like the increased pull of v levers with cantis. Really quick response out of them. Might be a matter of taste, however.

jim
borgagain
02-01-09, 06:47 AM
What is it about the shifters that is shot? I assume they're Shimano Total Integration, which are pretty durable parts. They can get gummed up but a few shots of WD-40 should loosen the sticky stuff.

My Antelope 830 (http://backroom.hardsdisk.net/antelope830.html) had a broken ratchet spring on one of the shifters but I was able to easily replace it with a piece of steel guitar string. It still works fine.

I recently got an old very abused Giant Sedona (http://http://backroom.hardsdisk.net/giantsedona.html) with the same shifters and they still work perfectly with proper lubrication.

If your shifters aren't badly damaged and you would like to get them working, maybe we can help.
HillRider
02-01-09, 06:53 AM
Actually, v-brake levers on canti brakes works pretty well. Other way around is a really bad idea. I actually like the increased pull of v levers with cantis. Really quick response out of them. Might be a matter of taste, however.

jim
The downside of cantis used with V-brake levers is they require more hand pressure to get equal braking so if the riders hand strength is marginal that could be a problem.
CO_Steve
02-01-09, 08:21 AM
Take a look at where the brake cable attaches to the brake levers. Some levers have a two position pivot point that allows you to switch the pull for cantis or v's. I've found this even on some low end levers. Worth checking.
Bob Pringle
02-01-09, 09:26 AM
The downside of cantis used with V-brake levers is they require more hand pressure to get equal braking so if the riders hand strength is marginal that could be a problem.

Shortening the straddle cable can mitigate much of this effect. Try to get the yoke down to within 1/2 inch of the tire with the brake released.

Regards,
Bob P.