Hi All
I'm considering changing my current V-Brakes because they are quite old and dont release from the rim surface on one side.

I am considering the XTR BRM970. Does anyone know if they are any good and whether they are likely to give me the same problem ie where they dont release from the wheel rim fully.

Also, can I use them with my existing levers?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers.

Michael

Adjust the screw on the brakes that allows you to centre them. Clockwise tightens the brake & pulls it away from the wheel, anti-clockwise loosens it and pushes the brake towards the wheel!
You could also change what hole the end of the metal springy thing sits in on the frame. Putting it in the top hole instead of the middle will give you more tension!

What brakes & levers do you have currently?

Many thanks for your reply SkoolShoes.

I have currently got Avid AD3 levers and Avid V-Brakes, but not sure of the V-Brake model. I have wound in the screw fully, and twisted the spring thing round as you said, and also bent the springy thing right out in the opposite direction, but after about 10 minutes riding it's the same again. I have taken it to bits, degreased and re-lubed etc but still no good.

They are the original brakes that came with the bike about 5 years ago (Orange Evo2).

Any other suggestions gratefully received!

Cheers.

Michael

Well, imo xtr v's are the best of the best so if they don't work nothing will.

Plus 5 year old brakes will have issues !!!!

Yes they will work with existing levers

XTR are good brakes but personally I prefer the feel of these They have brilliant stopping power and they're cheaper than the XTR's!!!

Btw, Your levers should be fine with any v brake!

Sorry if I've got the wrong idea and you've tried this but it sounds like you have all the tension on one side. IME you have to play with the tension on both sides to get V's to work properly. Also are the arms free to pivot when the cable is unhooked?

Hi All,
Just cleaned the bike up and found that the Vs I have are Avid Single Digit 3s (couldnt see the model name when the bike was in the garage). They are quite old and Im thinking probably just worn out - nothing lasts forever.

I have taken them to bits again and played with the tension screws etc but no joy. The movement is fine on one side (the side the cable bolts to), but the other side doesnt release at all.

The arms do pivot freely when the cable is unhooked, but Im sure it isnt the cable causing a problem because one side releases fine. I think it is just maybe lack of springyness on the side that is sticking, caused by worn out parts.

I did look at those Arch Rivals, they look good. What makes the pads release the wheel on those, is it the arch? And do you know if it gives much mud clearance when fitted?

Many thanks for all your help guys much appreciated.

Michael

If it moves freely but doesn't release it would suggest that the spring is broken on one side.

I have a 6 year old set of Avid Single Digit 3s on my commuter and they are like new.

I'm with Mike on this one, you have to adjust the tension on both sides to get them level. And if the spring has died, I'm pretty sure a LBS will have a replacement. Infact I know they will, because they used one on my Sidi's pop lock, as a temporary bodge job. (that was 2 years ago and it's still holding)

And Avid V-brakes are 100X better than Shimano.

Hi,

Whatever v's you go for a good staight set of wheels is a definite plus. I have XTR V's on my orange but whatever I do a kink in the wheel always rubs the wheel.

Great to hear the V's are good enough for some.

Michael, try tightening the screw on the drive (right) side and loosening the screw on the left side. If you still have no joy, they're probably fecked!
Avid arch rivals are a wicked v brake. The arch works as a booster and enhances braking performance. Plus they are well built and easy to set up.
I prefer them over any other v's that I've tried!
£25 is cheap too! They're around £40 on most sites.
You could get front, rear & some speed dial levers for less than the price of a f&r XTR's!!!

sorry wrong way round! try tightening the left side & loosening the right side.

Get some Avid Ultimates, they cost more than the majority of discs, must be good :-)

Many thanks for the suggestions. I have fiddled about with my existing brakes so much (probably why they dont work!). I have been convinced that Arch Rivals are the way to go, so I am going to seek out a set of those. Are the pads that come with them any good?

The pads that come supplied are cartridge style, so you can slide them out to give them a clean!
Also makes it easier to replace the pads when they're worn & you don't have to fiddle around with the bolts once they are set up.

Have a look on ebay. There are a few pairs going quite cheap at the mo!