lisitsa

I have a 12 year old road bike with utterly shocking brakes. These are side-pull calipers, but are bad enough that I have had to do a left turn on an intersection because my brakes couldn't stop in time for the red light. I have 2 old bikes not being used sitting around (mountain bikes with v-brakes which stop a million times better), and I wonder for me (fairly new to bikes), would it be hard to switch the brakes, putting the V-brakes on the road bike.
Thanks

khuon

You would need to weld cantilever posts to the frame. There might be someone out there selling special clamp-on posts though but I'm not sure I'd trust those. Have you thought about getting modern dual-pivot calipers? I'm sure even cheap Tektros would work better than what you have currently. You can get a pair of them for around $35.

MichaelW

It would be hard and not really worthwhile.
Far better to upgrade your brakes to modern Shimano dual pivot caliper brakes. These are much more effective than older caliper brakes. Calipers come in std and long styles, and you need to select the right type for your frame.

matheprat

Take your bike in for a brake service at a bike shop. I think we charge £4 for one, plus new parts, and that usually does the job. If it can't be fixed, the LBS will tell you, and order the new parts in for you.
Cheers

powers2b

If it is an older bike and it has steel rims you will get more stopping power by switching to Aluminum wheels. The rubber compound on the brake pads may have hardened over the years. New pads are cheap. Make sure the brakes are adjusted properly and the cable/housing are clean and free from corrosion and kinks.
I agree that brazing the necessary mounts to your frame is probably not worth the effort unless you are emotionally attached to the bike.
Enjoy