Hello fellow nerds
I cannot figure out how to get these brake arms to sit even nearly parallel. I don't think I've done anything egregiously stupid/non compatible.
Spec, incase you're wondering
Frame: 1997 Dawes Horizon
Rims: H Plus Son Archytype
Tyre: Gravel King Semi-slick
Brakes: Avid Single digit 7
by tryskating404
11 Comments
you need a brake cable to pull them together, that’s how V brakes work.
What have you tried so far? 💀
If you connect them via brake cable and 90 degree noodle, you need to know they are asymmetric by design. Good luck getting them even spaced 🙂 (don’t)
One of the few bikes designed around cantilever brakes
Did you put on new brake pads or did the v-brakes come from another bike?
Centre pull bridge suggests the frame was originally made for cantilevers. While generally cantis and v-brakes are cross compatible, some frames have brake posts too high to effectively mount v-brakes but will still accommodate cantilevers.
I agree with others that you should try to set this up and see what happens. That said, if you cannot install the brake pads low enough to make the brake perform properly (looks like this to me), it may be necessary to switch to cantilevers.
We need to see where the pads are in relation to the rim
Probably adjust the blocks so they are flush with the rim?
Yes. Something is wrong here.
Older frames place the mounts closer together than new frames. That can create difficulties with modern brakes as the pads have lots of washers nowadays so they sit further inward.
So, if the brake pads are resting on the rim here, you need to figure out how to create a lot more clearance between the brake arm and the pad. Where did you put all the spacers? Usually there’s just a pair of conical washers.
Also check where the spring pin is. It should be inserted into a little hole on the mount. This is what gives the brake springs tension, and the brake may not rotate correctly if the pin isn’t inserted correctly.
If the pads touch the rim before they come close enough together, then you probably have too many, or, the wrong size washers between the pad and arm.
Honestly, this bike deserves cantilever brakes. They’re still in production ranging from affordable (like the Shimano BR-CT91) over mid-range (like the Shimano BR-CX50 or SRAM Shorty) to expensive offerings (like the Paul Neo Retro or René Hesse Cantilever).
Not only will they look much nicer on your bike but also perform way better since your whole frame is designed for these brakes and apparently these brakes only. At least it doesn’t appear to be particularly well cross-compatible.