[rynoman03]

Can I Upgrade from Cantilever to V Brakes?

I saw in the "Do you miss your V Brakes" thread that alot of folks like their V brakes and alot like disc. I thought I had V's but apparently to this article and looking closer at my bike's spec's I do not.

http://www.personal.psu.edu/bjd5054/blogs/flat_tyre/2008/01/rim-brake-types-for-mountain-b.html

I see that you folks that like the V's really like the Avid's. I personally hate my brake handles presently and was kind of looking to upgrade that anyways.

Picture of bike in my bike drop down under my avatar. It's a large photo so you can see the brakes.

Is this conversion a huge PITA? Fairly Easy? Any advantages to V's over Cantilever ?

Comments, Suggestions, ect. is much wanted !

Thanks In Advance!

[Industry_Hack]

Brent doesn't English goodly, and his article hurt my head.

To do the swap, you'll need brakes and new levers, plus some new cables and housing. Don't skimp on a brake upgrade. Installation is easy enough, but getting the pads aligned takes a bit of patience. I can probably swap brakes front and rear in 20 minutes, but it shouldn't take you more than an hour, which allows for a beer or two.

Avid is pretty much the best choice, but I have been surprised by the quality of current Tektro brakes. One of my current bikes came with a set, and they do the job.

[rynoman03]

Well i for sure want to swap levers anyways. The parts don't look terrible expensive on Amazon. It's more of a thing I want to do vs need to do. StormStrikes thinks I may not have enough room on the rear tire to convert. (See my Bikes drop down.)

[Industry_Hack]

eBay may have some deals too.

[rynoman03]

I'll have to check that out. If anything I could do the front brake and see how it goes then do the rear.

[Industry_Hack]

That's not cost-effective.

[rynoman03]

Well no not really. I've never really worked on bikes much. I was more curious if the conversion was a bad idea or not. Then if it were cost effective vs the Cantilever style brakes. I'd also like to upgrade my plastic petals to metal ones sometime but i'm unsure of what i'd get. I'm pretty new to cycling and I've got alot of dreams and ambitions for this cheap bike.

[salvage_bikes]

I would upgrade the pads, and leave the brakes as they are. Maybe grease the posts and reinstall them, and clean and lube your cables (replace cables if necessary, $10 or so). Then dream big and ride the crap out of the bike, while learning what you want to shop for.

[rynoman03]

Fair enough that's probably a better idea. Any writeup's on cleaning and maintaining the brakes and cables? I'm pretty new to bike maintenance. Afraid of doing it no...Done it before nope If I can put headers on my car I think I can accomplish this lol.

[salvage_bikes]

PS. Canti brakes (non V-brakes) might lack some power compared to newer things, but are still famous for mud clearance! http://sheldonbrown.com/canti-trad.html Here is a rundown on canti brakes and adjustment.