Different types of brake

MTB noob

I have been mountain biking for 3 years now and have gone through 3 bikes and I have come to a strange conclusion on brakes. I have had hydraulic disc, mechanical disc and V-brakes for about a year each and I prefer V-brakes!

The question is why are my V-brakes better than hydraulic and mechanical for weight, durability, reliability and effectiveness? :?

I have known a lot of people to say that V-brakes are worse than other types but I simply can't find any problem with them on tarmac, dust, mud, chalk, snow and puddle-riddled woodland. Even when i have gone through a 6" puddle, they still are strong enough to make me endo on a corner. :shock:

Can you see where I may be misleaded by luck or just inexperience :?:

Thanks

nicklouse

If they are the best option for you then use them

They are no good for me for most of my usage.

supersonic

I prefer Vs for much of my riding, just a pity many frames and forks are not available any more with them?

386ka

It's all about personal preference. The v-brake is inferior to disc brake, in my opinion, but whatever floats your boat. And if you find that they are doing their job, don't change them.

oodboo

Get some of them hydro rim brakes for more awesomeness!

I'm happy with my discs.

The Rookie

If it's what you like, then great, carry on using them.

Downsides
less tolerant of buckled rims
Can cause issues when braking with wet wheels

Simon

stealthmackem

An old boss off mine once said he'd rather have a really good poo than rubbish sex. What I'm getting at is it's better to have well set-up V's than poor quality or badly aligned discs. I love my v-brakes and I'm far more confident in setting them up right, but, as Supersonic said before, the choice of forks currently available for v's is rather limited. I'm not sure I'd want to carry on riding on a buckled rim anyway, at least not any longer than to hobble home.

nicklouse

stealthmackem wrote:

An old boss off mine once said he'd rather have a really good poo than rubbish sex. What I'm getting at is it's better to have well set-up V's than poor quality or badly aligned discs. I love my v-brakes and I'm far more confident in setting them up right, but, as Supersonic said before, the choice of forks currently available for v's is rather limited. I'm not sure I'd want to carry on riding on a buckled rim anyway, at least not any longer than to hobble home.

but poorly set up vs are worse that poorly set up Discs.

and good discs. well how much was that Hooker?

cycleclinic

For XC riding and racing in East Anglia I also prefer V's infact it all you need around here. However lesewhere with long decents or somewhere there isn't a drought then discs are far better. The only issue with V's I had is in Wales on long decents in very wet whether it was not a good combination. In fact I still have Canti's on one bike and arounf Thetford they are fine.

mrmonkfinger

Horses for courses, Vs are light, an excellent choice IMO for XC but do require tip top condition rims and proper setting up. It's a shame there aren't more forks & frames around with V brake mounts.

sloppycowpat

vs as said are lighter but the pad life is woeful when i was using them a few years ago they would last a max of 5 muddy rides worst ever was lasting I day albeit a very very muddy ride with a bit of sand just for good measure. and also wear our rims obviously.

generally disk brakes are just so much better