Looking to run some drop bars on one of my bikes that have existing V brakes… I understand the short vs long pull necessity but was wondering if anyone has anything / heard of anything they like running ? Thanks
I’ve heard of people successfully using V-brakes and drop bars by incorporating the Travel Agent from Problem Solvers, but haven’t done it myself.
I do run Tektro RX-1 mini-v brakes, which are short pull, with my Microshift Sword Black drop bars levers and they work like a charm.
OkGuide3784 on
they work if your wheels are true. you have to bring the pads within like 0.5mm on each side of the rim, but you get insane braking.
EatsNettles on
Tektro RL520 are recommended/one of the only options, but I haven’t used them
JackFate6 on
Couple options, I ran drops with xt V brakes bought levers for long pull drop bars and ran bar end shifters. There are devices called “ problem solvers “ that are said to work that allow the use of brake/ shift levers. I don’t know if they are available & I don’t have actual experience with them
It’s insane to me that people are willing to put up with drop bar vs to avoid cantilevers. It just blows my mind.
People have literally toured the world on a tandem with mafac cantilevers, no problemo.
Travel agents work even worse and are fiddly AF.
Drewski6949 on
I think TRP had long reach drop bar levers? Maybe it was Cane Creek?
Far-Resource3365 on
I’ve been using this snail like adapter to change the pull ratio. I have the same or similar vbreakes as shown on the picture and were using them with sensah shifters. It was fine, but it was similar to the cable actuated disc brakes – harder to pull and a little more spongy.
Project was success but the handlebars were not – went back to the kyote.
filletfilet on
Just did this. Used Origin8 Pro Force long pull levers. Have put a few hundred miles on them and they’re great. I believe they’re rebranded Tektro units. The Cane Creek Drop V’s are NLA as far as I could tell.
Never thought I would run Origin8 shit on a nice bike but they were available, cheap, and the ergonomics and lever action are great.
RecessionBarbie on
Ebay usually has a couple sets of Dia-Compe 287V levers at any given time. I have run them before, they do the job.
11 Comments
I’ve heard of people successfully using V-brakes and drop bars by incorporating the Travel Agent from Problem Solvers, but haven’t done it myself.
I do run Tektro RX-1 mini-v brakes, which are short pull, with my Microshift Sword Black drop bars levers and they work like a charm.
they work if your wheels are true. you have to bring the pads within like 0.5mm on each side of the rim, but you get insane braking.
Tektro RL520 are recommended/one of the only options, but I haven’t used them
Couple options, I ran drops with xt V brakes bought levers for long pull drop bars and ran bar end shifters. There are devices called “ problem solvers “ that are said to work that allow the use of brake/ shift levers. I don’t know if they are available & I don’t have actual experience with them
https://preview.redd.it/ki8yvdczgwwf1.png?width=2778&format=png&auto=webp&s=7467f37f871930e018fd9ec45ec1895b6a5d6f7d
[https://problemsolversbike.com/products/travel-agent](https://problemsolversbike.com/products/travel-agent) confirming this works.
Dia Compe still makes v brake drop bar levers
https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/73030-dia-compe-brake-lever-set-287v-for-v-brake-3377?srsltid=AfmBOorkqwV795J2U3shm6FuNsShLt3IFY-oiMEEbImLejsx4vyFs1Nr#attr=
https://www.rivbike.com/products/brake-levers-drop-bar-dc-v-linear-long-pull?srsltid=AfmBOopVvHw0gqZybrKU9omUalNir0c-3LUPdvmDbftHwyN2aa19hlZM
It’s insane to me that people are willing to put up with drop bar vs to avoid cantilevers. It just blows my mind.
People have literally toured the world on a tandem with mafac cantilevers, no problemo.
Travel agents work even worse and are fiddly AF.
I think TRP had long reach drop bar levers? Maybe it was Cane Creek?
I’ve been using this snail like adapter to change the pull ratio. I have the same or similar vbreakes as shown on the picture and were using them with sensah shifters. It was fine, but it was similar to the cable actuated disc brakes – harder to pull and a little more spongy.
Project was success but the handlebars were not – went back to the kyote.
Just did this. Used Origin8 Pro Force long pull levers. Have put a few hundred miles on them and they’re great. I believe they’re rebranded Tektro units. The Cane Creek Drop V’s are NLA as far as I could tell.
Never thought I would run Origin8 shit on a nice bike but they were available, cheap, and the ergonomics and lever action are great.
Ebay usually has a couple sets of Dia-Compe 287V levers at any given time. I have run them before, they do the job.