Converting to V-Brakes

[R1 GTR]

hi guys,
We have an old (very old) bike lying in the garage and was wondering if it was possible to convert it to V-brakes from the older setup? Is it expensive or not worth it and what would we need to do?

[mat205125]

If the bike is that old, is it really worth spending money on?

Converting Canti Brakes to V brakes is no problem as they both use the same frame / fork mounts. The levers may also be the same if you don't plan on replacing them too.

[Zhead]

You will need to buy the levers to go with V brakes as the old ones wont move enough cable to make them any more effective than your old cantis, and you get micro adjustment on v brake levers for tuning them to the bars for reach. Basic Shimano Deore are very good. Avids are better at top end of range. Z

[R1 GTR]

mat205125 said:

If the bike is that old, is it really worth spending money on?

Converting Canti Brakes to V brakes is no problem as they both use the same frame / fork mounts. The levers may also be the same if you don't plan on replacing them too.

Front would be no problem as i was gonna change the forks too. its the rears that im not sure of, do they really use the same mounts? they look different to me. the V-brakes use 1 mount either side but the other ones use 1 mount at the top. (i think)

Edited by R1 GTR on Thursday 14th June 19:33

[lingus75]

R1 GTR said:

mat205125 said:

If the bike is that old, is it really worth spending money on?

Converting Canti Brakes to V brakes is no problem as they both use the same frame / fork mounts. The levers may also be the same if you don't plan on replacing them too.

Front would be no problem as i was gonna change the forks too. its the rears that im not sure of, do they really use the same mounts? they look different to me. the V-brakes use 1 mount either side but the other ones use 1 mount at the top. (i think)

Edited by R1 GTR on Thursday 14th June 19:33

That mounting sounds like old sidepull brakes and will not be able to take 'V' brakes. However, if you not that bothered and are changing the folrks then the rear brakes don't do that much anyway, as long as they lock up the wheel they are okay.

[R1 GTR]

lingus75 said:

R1 GTR said:

mat205125 said:

If the bike is that old, is it really worth spending money on?

Converting Canti Brakes to V brakes is no problem as they both use the same frame / fork mounts. The levers may also be the same if you don't plan on replacing them too.

Front would be no problem as i was gonna change the forks too. its the rears that im not sure of, do they really use the same mounts? they look different to me. the V-brakes use 1 mount either side but the other ones use 1 mount at the top. (i think)

Edited by R1 GTR on Thursday 14th June 19:33

That mounting sounds like old sidepull brakes and will not be able to take 'V' brakes. However, if you not that bothered and are changing the folrks then the rear brakes don't do that much anyway, as long as they lock up the wheel they are okay.

Thing is they dont, can you still get the replacement pads for them?

[Nick_F]

Pads are easy to find, and there's nothing 'old' about sidepull brakes on a road bike...if you're bothered by the performance you can get new ones - modern calipers use a different design for greater leverage. Anything from about £15 apiece for Shimano Tiagra all the way up to £70 for Dura-Ace.

What you may struggle to do is find sidepull calipers with enough spread to clear wide wheels and tyres.

[R1 GTR]

Those Tiagras are perfect! Thanks nick. Just in case you were wondering why im doing this, i just wanted to try changing the components as ive never done it before and it seemed right to do it on this bike rather than my other newer one. I was also going to change the front forks possibly for some suspension ones, hence the front V-brake setup.

[Nick_F]

Makes sense to me. Watch the wheel/tyre width thing though - you might find something on the Shimano website about the max size they are designed to cope with.