brake levers for cantis or v brakes?

[doogie]

I was just wondering what the differences are with brake lever types.
How do you know whether they are for use with vees or cantis? :?
Does it really make any difference? :roll:

 

[one-eyed_jim]

I was just wondering what the differences are with brake lever types.
How do you know whether they are for use with vees or cantis? :?
Does it really make any difference? :roll:

Yes, it makes a difference!

V-brake levers pull about twice as much cable as canti levers. If you use canti levers with v-brakes, you need to set the pads very close to the rims, the brake feels spongy, but it can be super powerful and grabby. You may not be able to apply the brake fully before the lever hits the bar. V-brake levers with canti brakes feel hard and need a very tight grip to get any braking effect.

You can tell which is which by how far the cable anchor is from the lever pivot. Cantis are much closer than vees.

Some levers with a variable leverage can be used for both.

 

[doogie]

Thanks for that advice