Cantilever and V brakes
01-31-09, 07:19 PM
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Cantilever and V brakes
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.
01-31-09, 08:21 PM
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that's what i needed to know...
Thanks
Thanks
01-31-09, 08:36 PM
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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
jim
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02-01-09, 07:47 AM
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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 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 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.
My Antelope 830 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 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.
02-01-09, 07:53 AM
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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.
02-01-09, 09:21 AM
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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.
02-01-09, 10:26 AM
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Regards,
Bob P.
