{"id":1128,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=1128"},"modified":"2023-08-10T01:44:15","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:44:15","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-v-brakes-and-cantilever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-v-brakes-and-cantilever\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Difference Between V-Brakes And Cantilever?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Over the years, bike manufacturers have been making improvements on bike braking mechanisms. Notably, cantilever and v-brakes are the most popular rim brakes. All the same, what is the difference between V brakes and cantilever?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ededed\"><strong>The main difference between v-brakes (direct-pull brakes) and cantilever is how they work. The cantilever is symmetrical and uses a center-pull mechanism, but v-brakes have a cable that comes from one brake arm and crosses over the tire to the other arm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it is worth noting that the v-brakes are an evolved form of cantilever brakes. Therefore, there are several similarities between the two. But for us to tell them apart, let\u2019s look at their differences.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/6\/66\/Misaligned_rear_wheel_and_stamped_steel_brakes_on_department_store_bicycle.jpg\/450px-Misaligned_rear_wheel_and_stamped_steel_brakes_on_department_store_bicycle.jpg\" alt=\"what is the difference between V brakes and cantilever - bicycle rear wheel with v-brakes\" width=\"230\" height=\"307\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Difference Between V-brakes And Cantilever \u2013 A Closer Look<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The two brake systems use cables to pull brake pads against the rim. However, they operate at different angles. As a result, the two systems have notable differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>M<strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">echanical Advantage&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference between the two braking systems is their mechanical advantage. To calculate the mechanical advantage, you need to divide the effort distance by the load distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, you can calculate mechanical advantage by dividing the Load force by the effort force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When comparing v-brakes and cantilever in terms of mechanical advantage, v-brakes have a higher advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, v-brakes pull directly at the brake arms, unlike cantilever brakes that use transverse cables to pull the arms at an angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, cantilever brakes have a lower mechanical advantage despite having a longer effort arm. In addition, the v-brakes bypass the use of transverse cables, making them pull the brake arms from an advantageous position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, v-brakes have longer and rigid effort arms that give them a higher mechanical advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, a rider can apply maximum force on the rim during braking by applying just a little amount of effort force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the difference in mechanical advantages of the two braking systems, they have different tire clearance as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li> <h3>Different Tire Clearance<\/h3> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The brake arms of cantilever brakes travel a longer distance when you squeeze the levers. Therefore, it has a broader wheel clearance compared to v-brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, v-brakes have poor clearance and increase the chances of mud accumulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>Different Brake Levers &#8211; Not Interchangeable<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The other notable difference between linear-pull brakes and cantilever is their brake levers. Again, due to different mechanical advantages, the two braking systems require different brake levers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specifically, a significant squeeze on the lever results in a slight movement of the brake arm in a linear-pull brake system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As compensation for the small output, v-brake levers pull a greater length of cable to engage the brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, a slight squeeze on a cantilever brake lever results in a significant movement of the brake arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, v-brake levers are designed to pull more cable than cantilever brakes, and therefore, the brake levers are not interchangeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>Cantilever and V-Brakes Use Different Brake Pads<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another significant difference between the v-brake and Cantilever is their brake pads.<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"https:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=bkefnst-20&amp;language=en_US&amp;l=li3&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001W4WWNG\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, older cantilever-brake designs use brake pads with smooth posts that attach to the brake arms through separate bolts and washers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the contrary, v-brakes mount on the arms using bolts that stick out of the pads. Thus, these brake shoes come as one complete set without a need to look for washers and bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you need to buy cantilever brake pads for replacement, the Shimano<strong>\u00a0BR-CT91 Cantilever Brake Shoe Set<\/strong> will serve you better. It comes as a pair and complete with Shimano brake blocks spring tension adjuster.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Difference-Between-V-brakes-And-Cantilever.jpg\" alt=\"Difference Between V-brakes And Cantilever\" class=\"wp-image-8589\" width=\"361\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Difference-Between-V-brakes-And-Cantilever.jpg 418w, https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Difference-Between-V-brakes-And-Cantilever-300x228.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>However, in some situations, riders install v-brake pads on older cantilever brake systems though that\u2019s just a hack and not proper practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, you can\u2019t use older cantilever pads on a v-brake system. They only come with a smooth post without an attachment system of their own. This makes them incompatible with a linear-pull brake system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, modern-day cantilever brakes can, however, operate with v-brake pads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which is better Between cantilever And V-brakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the v-brakes evolved from cantilever brakes, they are deemed to be better. Not only that, they are actually the better option, and here is why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>Mechanical advantage<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>First, we found that v-brakes have a higher mechanical advantage compared to cantilever brakes. As a result, they exert a greater force on the rim when you squeeze the lever. Specifically, v-brakes have increased leverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>Ease of Pad Replacement<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The other issue is the ease of pad installation. It is much easier to mount brake shoes on v-brakes than it is on cantilever brakes. Also, finding replacement brake pads is easy for v brake systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>They Have A Discrete Profile<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the cantilever brake system with exposed cables above seat stays and forks, the v-brake system is discrete. In addition, they don\u2019t use transverse cables but instead, employ a direct pull from the cable to the brake arms at an advantageous angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>\n<h3>More Varieties At Lower Prices.<\/h3>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, most manufacturers are now not making <a href=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/are-cantilever-brakes-any-good\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bikes that use the traditional cantilever brakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, the v-brake is the most popular rim braking system, making the manufacturers produce many varieties of it at reasonable prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the above reasons, v-brakes happen to be better in performance than their cantilever counterparts. In addition, the direct-pull brakes are also user-friendly, which makes them a popular option for riders who use rim brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Can-You-Replace-Cantilever-Brakes-With-V-Brakes.jpg\" alt=\"Can You Replace Cantilever Brakes With V-Brakes\" class=\"wp-image-8590\" width=\"144\" height=\"291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Can-You-Replace-Cantilever-Brakes-With-V-Brakes.jpg 236w, https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Can-You-Replace-Cantilever-Brakes-With-V-Brakes-148x300.jpg 148w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 144px) 100vw, 144px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Replace Cantilever Brakes With V-Brakes?<strong><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"https:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=bkefnst-20&amp;language=en_US&amp;l=li3&amp;o=1&amp;a=B078XFY8PZ\" alt=\"\"><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer upgrading your bike\u2019s brake system from cantilever to v-brakes, it is possible, only that it comes at a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned earlier, the cantilever and v-brakes have different mechanical advantages. Therefore, they have different brake levers and different cable lengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, for you to change from cantilever to v-brakes, you will need to buy a whole new braking system. Fortunately, the two systems use the same mounts on the seat stays or forks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the same note, the\u00a0<strong>Mountain Bike V-brakes Replacement Set\u00a0<\/strong>is an example of high-quality v-brakes that you can use to replace your old cantilever brake system. The set fits on most bikes, and it\u2019s long-lasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Do You Need To Replace Cantilever Brakes With V-Brakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As discussed above, it is possible to install a v-brake system to replace cantilever brakes. All the same, since the systems are different, you will need to buy the following components.<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"https:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=bkefnst-20&amp;language=en_US&amp;l=li3&amp;o=1&amp;a=B01KC52TTW\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A set of v-brakes<\/li><li>Brake levers that are compatible with v-brakes<\/li><li>A New brake cable and housing fit for v-brakes<\/li><li>Clamp-on cable stops to anchor the cable on the top tube.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, some frames designed for cantilever do flex a little too much due to the extra braking power. Therefore, you should consider going for a brake booster plate such as the\u00a0<strong>kunle Bicycle Brake Booster with Screws<\/strong> to help improve your braking performance. In addition, it works with both linear-pull brakes and cantilever brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, the booster plates stiffen the fork pivots and seat stay, and the result is a more stable bike with improved braking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also, Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/how-to-fix-bike-brakes-that-dont-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to fix bike brakes that don\u2019t work<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Take<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When looking at the difference between v-brakes and cantilever, you need to note that v-brakes are an improved version of cantilever brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, as you would expect, v-brakes perform better than their predecessors. In addition, they have a better mechanical advantage, and the system is not susceptible to physical damage as it is discrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, the direct-pull brakes (v-brakes) are easier to replace and set. Also, this brake system has lots of variety that come at affordable prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only notable downside of the direct pull brake system is that it has a smaller tire clearance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the years, bike manufacturers have been making improvements on bike braking mechanisms. Notably, cantilever and v-brakes are the most popular rim brakes. All the same, what is the difference &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"What Is The Difference Between V-Brakes And Cantilever?\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-v-brakes-and-cantilever\/#more-1128\" aria-label=\"More on What Is The Difference Between V-Brakes And Cantilever?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1128"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1128\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}