V-Brake Upgrades?

mtbjunkie08

Hi,

I'm considering upgrading my stock Tektro V-brakes, they work ok but on very steep descents I tend to have to pull both levers on fully and even then they dont inspire confidence. I dont think I want to upgrade to disc brakes because I will also have to upgrade my wheels to disc compatible ones.

I thought I may try just replacing the pads first with Kool Stop mountain Pads to see if that improves them, if not then I think I will upgrade to some higher quality V-brakes such as the Avid SD 7's.

Any advice appreciated.

cheers

Chunkers1980

Better quality Vs doesn't mean more power - the length and therefore their leverage is the same - the actual hand levers can help as they can have better cams in.

Some Koolstop pads is the way to go first.

mtbjunkie08

Chunkers1980 wrote:

Better quality Vs doesn't mean more power - the length and therefore their leverage is the same - the actual hand levers can help as they can have better cams in.

Some Koolstop pads is the way to go first.

Thanks for the advice, looks like i'll be trying out new pads first then.

cooldad

Chunkers1980 wrote:

Better quality Vs doesn't mean more power - the length and therefore their leverage is the same - the actual hand levers can help as they can have better cams in.

Some Koolstop pads is the way to go first.

Better quality are much better though. Take a set of Avids or XTs compared to some pressed tin POS and I guarantee you'll notice it.

The Rookie

If you have decent cast alloy arms, the best move is better pads and a clean of the rims to remove any road grime which can seriously affect braking performance, reasonable V's are better than many cheap disc brakes!