Cyclocross - School me right quick on CX brakes....

OK, so I have this Pinarello CX frameset and the brake studs are closer together then those on my mountian bike.

Is there a particular brake I need or will any V-style brakeset work?

Jim

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html

V-brakes require more cable pull than standard cantilever brakes, so if you are using road brake levers, you should use cantilever brakes or V-brakes with a travel agent (an inline adaptor which doubles the amount of cable pull by use of concentric pulleys). V-brakes without the travel agent or long-pull levers requires setting the brake pads too close to the rim and also changes the braking characteristics.

Look for mini-v brakes (around 85mm arms) or regular cantilever brakes.

Look for mini-v brakes (around 85mm arms) or regular cantilever brakes.IMO standard pull levers don't pull enough cable for mini-Vs. Perhaps for strictly road tires and usage they'd be OK. YMMV.

Do you know the distance between the studs? For modern canti's that use V-brake shoes you need at least 7cm of distance between the studs (center to center.) If they are not that wide then you can use a canti with a post style brake shoe (think the original style of canti's.)

I am using 80mm mini-V's ($9.95 a set). Works like a charm. Many good reviews if you search the Google.

EDIT: Old thread on mini V brakes (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?325896-Mini-V...Recommended&highlight=mini+v+recommended) from this forum.

I'll measure the studec distance and post up a number, I know its less than my mountain bike. Lever pull isnt a big concern of mine, I'm going to use a lever from the same manufacturer.

Lever pull isnt a big concern of mine, I'm going to use a lever from the same manufacturer.I'm not sure what you mean by this. What kind of levers and brakes do you plan to use? Tektro (for example) manufactures V-brakes and cantilever brakes, as well as long-pull and short-pull levers in both mountain and road styles. Paul Components, similar story. So you can't assume they'll be compatible just because the name is the same.

I think he is basically telling you that he knows what he is doing in regard to components.

I think he is basically telling you that he knows what he is doing in regard to components.But in truth he's telling me the exact opposite.

I can see that but we'll find out more when he reports back on the stud measurements.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. What kind of levers and brakes do you plan to use? Tektro (for example) manufactures V-brakes and cantilever brakes, as well as long-pull and short-pull levers in both mountain and road styles. Paul Components, similar story. So you can't assume they'll be compatible just because the name is the same.


I think he is basically telling you that he knows what he is doing in regard to components.


But in truth he's telling me the exact opposite.


I'm telling you that if I buy XYZ calipers I'm going to use XYZ levers. Simply put, I dont care about lever travel because I'm going to use a matched set of levers and calipers......whats not really relevant is that I know how to set up a brake....thats not an issue.

I guess I need to simply my question: Are V's, mini-V's and cantilvers interchangeable in regards to post dimensions?

Stud dimensions:

Width: ~71mm
Drop from rim sidewall center: ~27

I'm telling you that if I buy XYZ calipers I'm going to use XYZ levers. Simply put, I dont care about lever travel because I'm going to use a matched set of levers and calipers......*audible sigh* That would be great if levers and brakes came in matched sets, but in general they don't. Especially if you are mixing road levers with "mountain" brakes.

Regarding the original question, use whichever brakes you wish, it simply comes down to adjusting the posts/pads. V-brake-style threaded pads come with different spacers you can use to adjust the length of the post. Old-style brakes use unthreaded posts that are adjustable.

There are plenty of V brake sets (http://www.ebikestop.com/linear_pull_brake_linear_pull_brake_sets%29%29377.php) out there.

There are plenty of V brake sets (http://www.ebikestop.com/linear_pull_brake_linear_pull_brake_sets%29%29377.php) out there.Fantastic, if the OP has mountain bars and wants to buy Sinz or Tektro.

Merely a sample. Any manufacturer would be ignorant if they did not sell their product in a set. See: Shimano, SRAM, etc...