You just bought your Specialized right? If so, you've got the correct levers! The non-vee are cantilever levers, and the throw (lever action) is different. Vee brakes require more cable to be pulled by the lever, and canti levers won't work.
The Avid's are great mechanical discs, better than cheaper hydraulic ones. Setting them up is easy and adjusting is no more than regular vee brakes!
L8R
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger