Originally Posted by
Peterpan1
Wrong, at least for drops. The brakes have a better lever, the levers have a worse, one, and from the hoods the fingers have a worse one. There are three to four components in the train: Hands, levers, travel agents if you like kluges on your bike, and the brakes. Linears win one, loose on three. On MTBs with flat bars not an issue but with drops it's worse with the overall result being pretty much indistinguishable performance differences.
huh? I don't understand what you're trying to say?
I have a specialized sirrus hybrid that I put drop bars and full-size v-brakes on. I used tektro rl520s and entry-level shimano brakes. I'm probably tipping the scales around 230 right now, plus I have a rack and a pannier for commuting. I don't have problems stopping, except in rainy conditions... when everyone should slow down anyway. I'd be inclined to go with mechanical discs on a new build though. Welcome to the future.
I wouldn't convert a bike that came with cantis unless they were broken, but if you're building up a frame, I can't see any compelling reason besides brifters to use cantis. I've never used the travel agents, but from what I've read on the forums, they seem to be a bit of a kludge... and not something I'd want to count on when touring.