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Can I use pin-held V-Brake inserts in (cantilever) screw-held Shimano M Type brake pad holders?

5 min read

Asked by: Josh Meeks

Can I use V brake pads on cantilever brakes?

Where v brakes have a bolt with which to tighten them onto the brake arm, cantilever brakes do not. The latter are tightened onto the brake arms with bolts located on the brake arm. You can never mount cantilever pads on v brakes and mounting v brake pads on cantilever brakes might damage them.

Are V brakes Universal?

They are universal except for a very few models called mini V brakes, which use short pull brake levers as opposed to long pull. These stand out as having very short arms compared to most.

How can I make my cantilever brakes work better?

Biggest improvements:

  1. clean rims: alcohol or degreaser worked well. …
  2. clean pads. …
  3. use pads with high coefficient of friction against your rims. …
  4. Adjust angle of straddle cable-to-brake arm so that it’s at 90-degrees WHEN THE BRAKE IS AT THE POSITION WHERE THE PAD IS AT THE RIM.

How can I get more power out of my cantilever brakes?

Straddle cable and yoke position



To get the most out of your canti brake, it’s crucial to get the straddle cable carrier (yoke) installed in the right position based on the type of brakes you are running. Simply put, you want to try to achieve a 90 degree angle between the pivot bolt/cable anchor/straddle cable.

Are V brakes and cantilever brakes the same?

V brakes are not the same as cantilever brakes. Both are a type of caliper brakes so they share similarities. The difference is the 2 wires on cantilever brakes connect in an upside-down V at the top of the brakes. Whereas, V brakes have a horizontal connection above the tire.

Which is better cantilever or V brakes?

Cantilever brakes offer better tire clearance than V-brakes and decrease the chances of mud accumulation. Unlike V-brakes, cantilever brakes are compatible with brake-shifters. This is one of the main reasons why we find cantilever brakes on touring and cyclocross bicycles.

Are all V brakes compatible?

Yes, they all work together. Only exception is all mini V-brakes.

What brake levers work with cantilever brakes?

Cantilever brakes also work with short pull brake levers. They require a “cable yoke” and “straddle cable” to operate. V-Brakes: This type of brake also attaches to brake bosses, but they require a “long-pull” brake lever (see brake levers section below).

Are tektro and Shimano brake pads the same?

They are two separate companies, from different countries – Shimano is a Japanese company and Tektro is a Taiwanese company. However, there are quite a few similarities between their brakes. In fact, on some models, the brake pads are interchangeable between the two different brands due to their similarities.

Are cantilever brakes short or long pull?

Traditional cantilever brakes are short pull, along with u brakes and road specific calipers. That was just the standard, there was no long vs short pull distinction until linear-pull brakes aka v-brakes came onto the scene which required more cable pull.

How do I stop my cantilever brakes from squeaking?

Cantilever brake pads should be set so that the front of the pad touches the rim before the rear when you pull the brakes. This is called ‘toe-in’, and it prevents squealing when you use them. It’s a bit tricky to set up, so you may have to re-tighten the pads several times before it is correct.

Are cantilever brakes any good?

Cantilever brakes were used on touring bikes and tandems for decades before mountain bikes were even invented. The cantilever evolved into an extremely powerful and reliable braking system. Loaded touring bikes and tandems put more severe weight loads on the brakes than did bikes with just one person on them.

How do you set Shimano cantilever brakes?


Quote from video: And you'll have to find some narrower pads cantilever brake pads should be set so that the front of the pad touches the rim before the rear when you pull the brakes. This is called toeing.

How do you mount cantilever brakes?

Quote from video: And what you want to do is adjust your brake pads here when it's clamped. You want it parallel with the fork. So what you want to do now is basically line to your rim. And press it so it sits flush.

Can you replace V brakes with U brakes?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

Is a cantilever a linear pull?

Linear-pull or v-brakes are an evolved version of cantilever brakes that provide more power through increased leverage. Two things make this happen. The brake lever is designed to pull more cable, and the brake arms are longer and at a different angle. V-brakes are a popular style of brake.

What brake levers work with cantilever brakes?

Cantilever brakes also work with short pull brake levers. They require a “cable yoke” and “straddle cable” to operate. V-Brakes: This type of brake also attaches to brake bosses, but they require a “long-pull” brake lever (see brake levers section below).

Will V-brake levers work with calipers?

Your V-brake levers will work wonderfully with those road calipers!

What is the difference between V brakes and caliper brakes?

Within the category of rim brakes there are two sub-categories: caliper and V-brake. Calipers are one-piece and attach to the frame or fork via one mounting hole. V-brake and cantilever brakes comprise of two arms that each locate on to two mounts on the frame or fork. Calipers are the norm.

Why do road bikes not use V brakes?

A v-brake has too much stopping power for a road bike, and too little modulation. It requires significantly more contact patch, the rubber area of the tire which is in contact with the road at any given time, to maintain traction in a braking operation.

Why do road bikes use V brakes?

Advantages of V-Brakes:



They are easy to maintain and replace, even on the go. V-Brakes add no strain on the hubs or spokes. They do not hinder the mounting of a rear kick stand. Spare brake shoes and braking components are easily available in the market.