Originally Posted by
AeroGut
I've never used min-V's, so I'm curious to know what the leverage ratio of the brakes are. For reference, single-pivot caliper brakes are usually around 1, whereas full-length V-brakes are around 2 and center-pull cantilevers and dual-pivot calipers are both between 1 and 1.5. If the mini-V's are closer to 1.5, that would make it easier to set the up with long-pull levers without feeling underleveraged.
Most typical "full length" V-brake arms are about 100-105mm (distance from the pivot at the bottom to the cable attachment at the top). Most Mini-Vs are in the 80-90mm range (though some differ!). Assuming a consistent pad attachment height (from the pivot), I'd assume the leverage ratio of an 80mm brake arm to be 80% of the ratio of a 100mm brake arm.
Here's a web page with a list of common V-brake arm lengths:
Tech Tip: V-Brake Arm Lengths - GRAVELBIKE
I have found Mini-Vs to feel more powerful than a good cantilever brake setup, using the same pads and the same brake levers. I guess this makes sense with the maths involved, as Mini-Vs are supposed to have a little more mechanical advantage. I've also found Mini-Vs to feel less powerful than full length V-brakes using the same long-pull brake levers. Again, this should be the case.
I understand one of the needs the Mini-Vs are supposed to meet are traditional cyclocross applications, where a rider wants to swap out cantilever brakes for linear pulls without also changing the brake levers.