I'm trying v-brakes as a replacement for old cantilever brakes on a vintage MTB. I always see them set up with arms parallel to each other.
However, with the brake shoes that came pre-installed on these brake arms, when set in the middle spring-hole, on this bike they look like this.
Should I move a washer from the shoe side to the nut side to make the shoes closer to the arms (aka should I lower the shoe extension)?
by mikethepig
4 Comments
I’d probably swap the washers around to get them closer. Not for braking reasons so I don’t catch my legs on them !
They’re probably previously been on a wider frame
Not sure if this would help but, try flipping the washers in the brake shoes. Switch the thinner spacer to go in between the shoe and the arm, while the fatter spacer goes to the outer end.
https://preview.redd.it/uth7oxpcon2h1.png?width=298&format=png&auto=webp&s=06e068dbee3173c4a8af4a778b31b52ff765dd4a
If it doesn’t still work, you may have to switch back to cantilevers instead.
can’t tell until you show a pic with the pads pushed against the rim..
Those were the best brakes but the parallel push would develop too much play down the line.