z415

Anybody know of anything to enhance the power of v-brakes besides the obvious of new cables, housing, lube, levers, brake body, noodle/overcoat, pads, and upgrading to discs?

I thought of this question when I saw this, but I don't know if this works: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5221

z415

BTW, I love how Performance calls it a "QBP Travel Agent" and Nashbar calls it a "v-brake booster".

FlatFender

thats for using Canti - levers with V-brakes

The best thing I would recoment would be to get some Avid SD7 brakes. Best Ive ever used, hands down. Get some good levers too.

z415

Sorry I was unclear, Nashbar and Performance have the same exact product, but Nashbar calls it a "V-brake booster". I was basically alluding to how Nashbar has went down a little.

I actually have a Tektro T-3 booster in the rear.

FlatFender

Kool Stop Salmon pad are also GREAT.

z415

Yea, I know it is for that, but it also says that is can be used to reduce friction, as ambiguous as that sounds. I use the Avid SD SL up front, which are the same as those, but with Ti hardware, and they are a heck of a lot better than my roommate's mech discs. I've been thinking about getting the Avid levers (either 7 or SLs) also.

I just want to find little ways to increase my braking power since I made the decisions to stay with v-brakes, kind of like weight weenies doing anything for a few grams.

FlatFender

Im with ya, I love my V brakes.

z415

Yea, I've read that a lot, but I get confused since they all have different colors and such. Can you help me out with a link to where they are sold? That would be much appreciated.

z415

I honestly wouldn't mind going to hydro discs up front, but anything less and v-brakes are more than acceptable.

Also, I've been reading reviews about the Avid lever and the "crumple zone" and a couple of guys said that they broke it when braking; I was wondering if you've had any experience with that because I think those people just didn't adjust their set-up right, but I don't want to risk it.

I'm not worried about spills because I have curved ends that kinda protect 'em.

FlatFender

https://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30...ils&sku=BR2148

there ya go sir.

z415

Awesome, thanks.

z415

While we are still on the topic, do you think boosters up front would help? I've always heard that the arch in the fork body is basically a booster.

shiggy

Front boosters do help. They keep the posts (f&r) from twisting more than spreading. A sussy fork arch is stiffer than the seat stays but the posts still twist.

probable556

OK, you just named every part of the brake system. So the answer is no.

Best way to gain better leverage and stopping power with v-brakes is to use a good lever like Avid's and a decent pad (Avid or Koolstop.).

Gimmick devices are worthless.

Jameson

There is a product that consists of little metal segments that cover the brake line. Somehow these give vees the power of disc. I saw it in dirt rag a few months back but don't remember any specifics. They seemed to think that it would work well though. Try Dirtrag.com for some older product reviews, or give 'em a call.

misterC

Ceramic coated rims with xtr pads on xtr v-brakes is what I'm using. I've tried various pads and non ceramic rims, but this combo is the best.

FlatFender

Nokon Housing.

z415

Thats what I needed to know.

z415

Hmm, I was always under the impression that Nokon housing was just for weight savings. Anyways, I'm to lazy to bead the individual pieces and from what I've heard they kind of sag a little when crossing the handlebars.

shiggy

Nokon housing is lighter but it is also compression-proof even when curved, unlike standard wound housing. It can make a huge difference in performance. Yes, it can sag. Not a big deal.

Raiyn

But that's not all they can do, they can also be used in place of the noodles as "pulleys" in an all V-brake setup. I've been using mine in the "pulley" configuration for years. Smoother than the noodles and they don't rust.