Centre-pull caliper to V-Brake Conversion
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,073
Likes: 2,015
From: San Diego, California
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
Edit: I misread the OP and thought they were talking about switching from "cantilevers", not "calipers". V-brakes require the studs that cantilever brakes use.
Yes, it's possible. V-brakes usually require a longer cable pull, in which case you'd need long pull brake levers. But short arm v-brakes use cable pull similar to cantis. The length of a v-brake arm is in its specs. Here are some:
https://www.gravelbike.com/v-brake-arm-lengths/
I think for 85-90mm or longer arms you'd want a long pull lever (just guesstimating - research this a bit). You can get long pull levers for drop bars or flat bars, but I don't think there are long pull brifters, so if you want brifters you'd need a short arm v-brake.
Yes, it's possible. V-brakes usually require a longer cable pull, in which case you'd need long pull brake levers. But short arm v-brakes use cable pull similar to cantis. The length of a v-brake arm is in its specs. Here are some:
https://www.gravelbike.com/v-brake-arm-lengths/
I think for 85-90mm or longer arms you'd want a long pull lever (just guesstimating - research this a bit). You can get long pull levers for drop bars or flat bars, but I don't think there are long pull brifters, so if you want brifters you'd need a short arm v-brake.
Last edited by tyrion; 10-20-18 at 11:58 AM.
#3
Full Member

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 441
Likes: 29
Yes, it's possible. V-brakes usually require a longer cable pull, in which case you'd need long pull brake levers. But short arm v-brakes use cable pull similar to cantis. The length of a v-brake arm is in its specs. Here are some:
https://www.gravelbike.com/v-brake-arm-lengths/
I think for 85-90mm or longer arms you'd want a long pull lever (just guesstimating - research this a bit). You can get long pull levers for drop bars or flat bars, but I don't think there are long pull brifters, so if you want brifters you'd need a short arm v-brake.
https://www.gravelbike.com/v-brake-arm-lengths/
I think for 85-90mm or longer arms you'd want a long pull lever (just guesstimating - research this a bit). You can get long pull levers for drop bars or flat bars, but I don't think there are long pull brifters, so if you want brifters you'd need a short arm v-brake.
#4
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
a + 1
Center pull, other than cantilever brakes ,
bolt onto the fork crown/rear stay bridge..
V brakes need 2 posts on the frame.. as do cantilever type..
But a workaround ,, from BMX, was a bolt on arched plate ,
with the V brake posts on the plate..
..
bolt onto the fork crown/rear stay bridge..
V brakes need 2 posts on the frame.. as do cantilever type..
But a workaround ,, from BMX, was a bolt on arched plate ,
with the V brake posts on the plate..
..
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-20-18 at 11:53 AM.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,073
Likes: 2,015
From: San Diego, California
Bikes: Velo Orange Piolet
Oh yeah, you're right. I misread "calipers" as "cantilevers". I edited my post above.
Last edited by tyrion; 10-20-18 at 12:00 PM.
#6
If you don't have studs for v-brakes, another option might be modern dual-pivot side pulls. If you keep an eye on the online retailers and Amazon, decent pairs of Tektro brakes show up once in a while. You have to observe the dimensions and mounting styles to match your frame. I've done this on two bikes, and those brakes are just superb. They also seem to require less fussing than v-brakes to keep them centered and adjusted.
#7
ambulatory senior

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 6,451
Likes: 4,517
From: Peoria Il
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
If you don't have studs for v-brakes, another option might be modern dual-pivot side pulls. If you keep an eye on the online retailers and Amazon, decent pairs of Tektro brakes show up once in a while. You have to observe the dimensions and mounting styles to match your frame. I've done this on two bikes, and those brakes are just superb. They also seem to require less fussing than v-brakes to keep them centered and adjusted.
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