Road Brake Levers and V-Brake Compatibility

[wackyjacky1]

Howdy. I'm seriously considering swapping out the flat bar on my Trek 7.2 FX WSD for a moustache handlebar, and I have some component questions:

My bike has Tektro v-brakes. I'd like to have hooded road brake levers on the moustache bars, or even reverse levers. But...I haven't been able to find road brake levers that specify that they're compatible with v-brakes. And if I go with reverse levers, it looks like they plug into the bar ends, therefore I can't use bar-end shifters?

Are there road levers that will work with my brakes? Are there reverse levers that will still let me use bar-end shifters?

Any component advice would be greatly appreciated.

[SadieKate]

There are no STI shifters that will work with V-brakes. But a Travel Agent will make it work.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR409Z01-Problem+Solvers+Travel+Agent.aspx

[KnottedYet]

Sheldon Brown recommends (or should I say "recommended") these Dia Compe 287V levers for drop bars and long-pull brakes.
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=6371

Bar-end shifters would be a lovely accompaniment.

(you'd end up with something that looks like my bike's set up)

Reverse levers would take up the space at the end of the moustache bar, and you'd end up with something like Trek420's mixte's moustache bars. At that point, you might want to put thumbies on for shifting (Rivendell has some nifty set ups) or downtube shifters or something of that ilk.

I've ridden Trek420's mixte and my own bike, and for cruising I love her reverse levers on the moustache bars. For more utilitarian riding I really like my levers which I can haul on when my hands are in the forward curves of the moustache bars. You get a nice bracing effect with your hands positioned in the curves when you brake. (kinda like braking on a mtb)

Edit to add: I have no pictures of my moustache bar, but it looks like the "standard" set up. There are some great pictures of Trek420's moustache bars somewhere... I'll see if I can find it.

[wackyjacky1]

Man, you guys are awesome! Mucho thanks for the quick responses.

I found those Dia Compe levers from an Amazon seller for $39.95, so I think I'm gonna jump on those. JensenUSA has the bar end shifters I need, and the moustache bar will come from Nashbar. Yesss! I'm gonna place my orders today. The bike shop recommended that I order the parts myself 'cause I could shop around for better prices, and he'll do a deal on the labor for me. He said he's looking forward to it 'cause it's gonna be one sweet-lookin' bike when it's all done. :cool:

One last question/decision to make: what color bar tape to get? :p

I am so stoked! :D

edit: Knotted, if you ever get pics of your set-up, I'd love to see it.

edit again: Hmmm...the Dia Compe levers from the Amazon seller don't specifically say 287V...I guess they're probably the wrong one. Poop.

[Eden]

If you still find you don't have enough braking power with the new levers, changing over to cantilever brakes is about the same price as a installing travel agents....

[wackyjacky1]

a quick fyi: cane creek also makes a road-style v-brake lever (found 'em at webcyclery.com). can't find the dia compe 287v levers anywhere -- everyone has 'em on backorder.

[wackyjacky1]

Argh, another question: Is linear pull the same as a v-brake? So if a lever says it's for linear pull brakes, could I use it with my brakes? (I feel kinda ignorant asking this, but...:confused: )

[KnottedYet]

Argh, another question: Is linear pull the same as a v-brake? So if a lever says it's for linear pull brakes, could I use it with my brakes? (I feel kinda ignorant asking this, but...:confused: )

According to Sheldon Brown and Park Tool, the answer is "yes."
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/canti-direct.html
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=21

[wackyjacky1]

Thanks again -- I Googled for it, but couldn't find an answer.

The Cane Creek levers are nice, but I can get the Dia Compe ones from that Amazon seller for quite a bit less (the description doesn't say 287V, but says they're for linear brakes).

I sure do appreciate everyone's help!

[wackyjacky1]

Oh snap! The moustache handlebars arrived from Nashbar today. Now all I'm waiting on is the shifters, then I'll be all set for my bike's transformation.

PS I got Cinelli's glow-in-the-dark bar tape for it. I'm a sucker for stuff that glows in the dark. :cool: :p

A Brooks saddle will be in the works a few paychecks from now (I hope).

[boy in a kilt]

I don't know how deep you are into this project. But here's my advice.

Cantis. Go with Cantis.

I spent a couple of years mucking around with the v-brake STI lever issue and I never got it to meet my expectations, even with a Travel Agent. I don't like equipment hacks in general and this only made my dislike more intense.

[wackyjacky1]

I've got all the parts (well, I'm waiting for the shifters to be delivered) so I guess I'll stick with the v-brakes for now. If I run into problems, I'll do the canti switch, as you and Eden have suggested.

I'm really looking forward to getting this conversion done. The current handlebars are sooooo uncomfortable, they almost make me not want to ride. :(

Thanks!

[Triskeliongirl]

I never liked travel agents with v-brakes and sti levers. Too sloppy for my tastes. This is what I am now running on my touring bike, which I purchased from Harris Cylery. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/cantilevers/index.html
They work great!:

Shimano BR-R550 Deluxe Cantis
BRC50 (F), BRC51(R)* $41.95 each
Premium centerpull cantilevers from Shimano.
Compatible with STI/Ergo brake/shifters.

Refillable V-brake type shoes, highly polished and lovely. (Photo doesn't do them justice.)

*Although these are designated as "front" and "rear" models, there's no actual difference. To convert "front" to "rear" or vice-versa, just swap the shoes from right to left.

[VeloVT]

Those Shimano cantis came stock on my cross bike. They have worked well for me too. They are very squealy if not adjusted perfectly though :eek:!

[wackyjacky1]

Trisk, those brakes look super sweet! I just got my bike back from the shop today and took it for its maiden spin. I absolutely love the moustache handlebars!!! The brakes are easy to reach, and the bar-end shifters are amazingly crisp. I am so happy I could poop myself! :D The only thing I'm not crazy about is my selection of handlebar tape: Yes, it glows in the dark and, let's face it, that is super cool :p but generally speaking, the color is u-g-l-y. Ah, well.

Keep an eye out for me on the streets of S.A.-town. I guarantee I'm the only one with a bike like this. :D:D:D