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Old 01-10-07, 02:49 PM
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Sheldon Brown
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Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Newtonville, Massachusetts
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Originally Posted by jgedwa
Rats. Guess I have to bite the bullet and use the different levers. Which means using another handle bar I have. Which means using another stem I have. Would it just be pointless to try and see?
It would be dangerous to try and see.

This is explained at: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#brakelever

Here's a relevant excerpt:
Old short-pull lever, new direct pull ("V type") cantilever

The excessive mechanical advantage of this combination will make it difficult to modulate the brake, and it may be all too easy to lock up the wheel.
The lever feel will be very soft and mushy.

The lever will travel too far before engaging the brake, and it may bottom out against the handlebar. Thus, the brake may be super powerful at first, but as the brake shoes wear, the lever bumping up against the handlebar will prevent full application. This is likely to be a particular problem in wet conditions.
Sheldon "Don't Try This At Home...Or Anywhere Else!" Brown
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