V-brakes on drop bars?

eoin88 · 02-05-2010 7:07pm #1

Hi, I'm thinking of fitting a set of drop bars to my hybrid for touring, is there any particular reason why I shouldn't use my current v-brakes with road brake levers? I'm also hoping to fit cyclocross levers. I've only ever seen calipers and cantilevers with drop bars, but surely there couldn't be that much of a difference?
I know you'll probably tell me to trade in the hybrid and get a racer, but unfortunately I'm a poor student on a tight budget!
Thanks.

Muller_1 · 02-05-2010 7:11pm

I had this setup on a Focus Mares crossbike I got last year, I had to change from V brakes to Canti's as the breaking was really poor with the road levers. There was too much give in the cable before they engaged,

I would not recommend using the V brake with road level combination

Lumen · 02-05-2010 7:29pm

Since you have the V-brakes already, use them. With the right pads and proper set up they'll be adequate.

edit: ah sorry, I have no experience of V-brakes with drops, assumed you were talking about mini-Vs.

Lumen · 02-05-2010 7:37pm

On the subject of v-brakes, the other day I found a retail supplier of the legendary "adjustable noodles", aka Tektro 917.12 V Brake Lead Pipe with Adjuster 90 Deg.

blorg · 02-05-2010 8:09pm

Mini-V brakes (85mm) are compatible with road levers and work quite well. I have a pair I want to sell incidentally.

Standard Vs do not work with STI levers, honest. Braking is atrocious.

The issue is STI (integrated) levers. If you use the likes of bar or downtube shifters you can get specific drop bar brakes that work great with standard V brakes. I have these on a fixed gear and they work great.

Gavin · 02-05-2010 10:50pm

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR409Z01-Problem+Solvers+Travel+Agent.aspx

Use linear pull v-brakes with a non-linear lever.

V-brakes on drop bars?

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