Bicycle Mechanics - V brakes on old Cannondale - Will it kill the frame?

I picked up an early ninties Cannondale hybrid for my wife today. I'd like to replace the cantis with some v brakes from my parts stash. Will the higher mechanical force of v's cause the frame undue stress?

I did the same conversion about 6 years ago and found there were no problems.

V-brakes don't actually provide more force at the pads than do cantilever brakes. What you are thinking of is the higher mechanical advantage of the arms themselves. To compensate for the increased mechanical advantage of the brake, the mechanical advantage of the lever is decreased.

Long story short, there isn't any brake out there that can really break your frame. Magura Hydraulic cantilevers might crush a rim, but that's as close as you can get.

Dylansbob, I'd guess you know this, but I'm pretty sure you'll need V brake compatible brake levers or the brake lever travel will become excessive after the switch over.

Brad

.... put some brake booster arches on there if it worries you enough.

I converted the brakes on my very first MTB, a Specialized Rock Hopper years back, and had no problems whatever. A worthwhile upgrade.

It will be fine. My conversion had me stopping much more quickly.
You will require different levers which may mean different cables...have fun!

Rather than replace my levers when switching from cantilevers to V-brakes, I first tried Problem Solvers Travel Agents. Don't--they are terrible. A pain to install, they kink the cable, and give terrible feel.