Bicycle Mechanics - V brake pads on centerpull brakes?

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mkeller234
03-08-10, 02:44 AM
It's time to replace the pads on my commuter, and I want to replace with Kool stops. My bike is older and has Weinmann 750 center pull brake calipers on it. Out of habit I asked the lbs for Kool stop continentals, the older block style pads. They did not have any Continentals in stock. The shop employee (a middle aged man) handed me some Kool stop thin line pads. I told him that those pads were marked for V brakes and that my bike had center pull calipers, I even described the caliper to make sure he knew what I was talking about. He reassured me that he knew what calipers I was talking about and that these pads would work anyway.
I bought them (semi-begrudgingly) and they seem to fit just fine. There are no clearance issues and they reach the braking surface. What does everyone think, will they work? Is the shop employee mistaken? I don't care that they don't look classic, as long as they work properly.
V-brake pads are typically longer than caliper brake pads. This might be an issue, since it will influence the the contact pressure and then brake performance. It won't be catastrophic though, so there is no risk in trying it out.
What does everyone think, will they work? Is the shop employee mistaken?
Why would he be mistaken, if:
they seem to fit just fine. There are no clearance issues and they reach the braking surface.
???
mkeller234
03-08-10, 03:21 AM
Why would he be mistaken, if:
???
That is why I am asking. I do not know if there are other issues with using V-brake pads. "Seem fine" indicate that I don't know for sure. I think I have been pretty fair in regards to the lbs employee, I did not say he is wrong... I am asking. Not only that, I trusted him enough to buy the pads and give them a shot. It is a good shop that I buy from frequently.
plodderslusk
03-08-10, 03:45 AM
Weinmann and Koolstop Mtb-pads are just great. I've had some old roadbikes with studded tires as winterbikes with such a setup. No problems, just a better working brake. (probably because the pads are so much larger than roadpads).
sonatageek
03-08-10, 06:21 AM
I have used the v-brake pads on old center pull and side pull calipers many times. One time I did have problem due to the length of the pad -- but if the pad does not run into the fork or other part of the frame, you should be good.
mkeller234
03-08-10, 06:55 AM
Great, it sounds like they will be fine. Thanks everyone
And just to double check myself: I have the long end of the pad facing the rear of the bike on both brake calipers
well biked
03-08-10, 07:07 AM
I have used the v-brake pads on old center pull ........
+1, I've used Kool Stop salmon v-type pads on old Dia Compe centerpulls. They work great.
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