V-brakes a bit disappointing - advice?

[HLaB]

I'll see if I can find the link but I've seen a small wheel thing attached to a Tandems front brake and the rider says its really effective; I've got one too but I've not fittted it yet. Basically the cable goes through a small wheel and that pull is magnified by a large wheel.

Edit, this is the thing unfortunately it a US site

Edit2: sjscycles link, travel agents

I fitted my travel agent tonight and its certainly a vast improvement for my front brake, I think it might interfere with the rack though if I fitted one to the rear. Its a fix for v brakes though, not cantis.

 

[roshi chris]

I much prefer cantis to v-brakes any day of the week. I find the braking more progressive with just as much ultimate stopping power, and they are more adjustable.

You may have an issue with set-up and cable pull but I wouldn't be so quick to bin your cantis in favour of V's.

 

[Jonathan M]

, based on something I read somewhere. Can I/should I increase the braking force by decreasing/increasing that distance? Or any other suggestions/advice very much appreciated.

I know you've sorted this problem but with regards to canti's I seem to recall something about the straddle cable being closer to the tyre improving the braking, three fingers depth between cable & tyre sounds quite a lot.

 

[mickle]

Cantis; a line drawn from the centre of the brake pivot to the straddle cable anchor should be at ninety degrees to a line drawn from the straddle cable anchor to the straddle hanger. Usually as low as it'll go. They might feel slightly mushy but they'll be progressive and powerful.