Can't get v-brake pads low enough???
 

I was trying to put an older set of XT v-brakes on my Cross Check to replace the cantis. When I mount the v-brakes and try to align the pads I can't seem to get them low enough on the rim. Even if I slide them all the way down in the slot after I tighten them the pads still rub the tire a little. I've tried moving the spacers around 100 different ways and nothing seems to help. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

there is the option of taking a rat tail file to the slot, depending on amount of material.

Ok, dumb question... but you're using an appropriate wheel size for this frame right?

Yeah.

Would rather not.

how vertical are the arms when they hit the rim?

my guess is either, a) rim is too wide, or b) canti studs are narrower than what the V-brakes were designed for.

some solutions that don't involve filing: use a narrower rim or use a narrower pad/pad holder

Note from Oregon, Chain saw sharpening files are the same diameter thru-out.
rat tails taper towards the tip.

different brake? Paul's V brake is a round lever, where the pad holder clamps &
slides up and down to meet rim..

This is what I had to do, on one of my bikes. Works well, and takes very little effort to operate that brake, due to the extra leverage that set up gives you.

I have Avid Single Digit 7 V-brakes on my Cross Check using road width 700c rims and the pads center very well about half way up in the slots. I did have to reorient the spacers to get the arms about vertical when the brakes are applied due to the narrow rims but it appears wider rims within reason wouldn't be a problem.