Cyclocross - Which Mini-V brakes on cyclocross, swapping between 23c and 30c wheelsets?

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ghostm42
08-15-11, 02:26 PM
I just got a new cyclocross bike. I usually ride road bikes, but it seems like a cyclocross has the flexibility of taking the bike off-road whenever I am so inclined.

I decided to go with Mini-V's because they are cheaper and avoid the hassle of brake cable hangers (which I currently don't have). I've read the Brakes FAQ, which recommended the Tektro RX5 brakes with 85mm arms. But would it make a difference if I was sporting road rims? I'd like to be able to swap wheels between my 23c road wheels and 30c hybrid wheels, depending on the occasion (but mostly on road wheels). I'd assume that I'd have to make adjustments because the amount of cable travel will be different, but I don't want to get a brake that just won't work on one wheelset or the other.

Lastly, if I were to remain with 85mm mini-V's, is there a difference between what 85mm ones I got? My LBS has Promax, Tektro BX3V and Sinz Mini, but no Tektro RX5's handy. They also have the Tektro 926, but those are 80mm.


Andy_K
08-15-11, 02:41 PM
The only trouble you'll have is that if you have different rim widths, you'll need to readjust the brakes when you swap wheels. The tire size won't matter. Usually you can adjust for a rim width difference with a barrel adjuster. If the brakes you get don't have one built in, you may need to get an inline adjuster (or cross levers with barrel adjusters).

I'm sure there's some difference between different models in terms of how much the brake arms flex, but in general the arm length will be the biggest factor.

ghostm42
08-15-11, 03:03 PM
Indeed, I was referring to the subsequent rim width as a result of the tire difference. I wasn't sure if the barrel adjuster would be able to fully compensate for the difference in width (I will have cross levers). If it does, then I will go ahead with the 85mm mini-Vs.

If anyone has comments on the Promax, Tektro BX3V and Sinz Mini, I'd like to hear it. The BX3V look identical to the RX5's and even weighs the same.


ghostm42
08-17-11, 12:41 PM
Sorry for bumping my own thread, but I just read on this forums that 80mm arms are more appropriate than 85mm arms for mini-V's. This goes against what the sticky brake post says. What has been the experience for most folks? Will either work fine?

It sounds like an 80mm might be better for the narrow rims, but may not provide sufficient clearance for fatter tires. Can anyone comment on the length of mini-V they use and the tire size that it's used with?