Rim brakes - Centre pull v side pull

booldawg

Running a disc up front and rim brake on back (due to 'vintage' frame!). Looking to replace old rear rim, is there any difference in performance/set-up/maintenance between centre pull and side pull brakes?

The Rookie

Yes, side pull work centre pull don't (in any meaningful way), also most decent levers you'll find are for linear pull (V-brakes) not the older pull ratio for canti's (make sure you get the right lever!)

booldawg

Thanks Rookie - the old brake is a side pull. May just put a new cable on it and see how it goes!

The Rookie

In that case you may not even have the centre floating stop for centre pull brakes.

cooldad

A well set up set of cantis works fine. I ride a bike with them on every day.

Although for fun I prefer discs.

supersonic

It's all leverage, pads and flex. A good canti works well. Bad V brakes tend to work well - they are easier to get right and get decent performance from.