Cantilever Brakes vs V-brakes: What’s the Difference? 

Bike manufacturers have been finding new ways to tweak their braking mechanisms. Most notably, cantilever and v-brakes are the most widely used rim brakes. 

But what’s the difference?

The primary difference between cantilever brakes and v-brakes is how they function. The cantilever uses a center-pull mechanism and is symmetrical, while v-brakes feature a cable coming from a brake arm that crosses over the bike tire to the other arm. 

Picking the right brakes for your bike is a complicated task that can determine your riding experience and influence your safety. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the two braking systems and how they differ from one another so that you can make the best decision for your bike. 

Why Do You Need the Best Brake For Your Bike? 

Bike brakes deliver stopping power and control, both of which are vital. Brakes let you corner properly, control your speed, stop on a dime in case of any obstacle, and descend safely. That means your bike needs to be obeying your command. 

Here are several reasons you need to have the best brake for your bike: 

• Avoid an unexpected accident: 
• Enjoy comfortable riding: 
• Take a smooth turn: 

Whether it’s in the midst of heavy traffic or unexpected traffic, you may need to stop your bike abruptly and forcefully. Having brakes with great stopping power lets you safely stop in time before an accident arises. 

When riding mountain or trail riding, it’s important to find brakes that provide a comfortable riding experience. Additionally, when faced with curvy roads, you’ll need a smooth brake to get you through sharp turns. 

Cantilever Brakes vs V-brakes: Pros and Cons

What are Cantilever Brakes? 

Cantilever brakes are bicycle brakes with two arms extending outward from the hub and are connected by a cable. Steel and aluminum arms are usually equipped with roller brakes at the ends to ensure maximum stopping power. Both front and rear wheels use cantilever brakes, though the rear brakes usually only have one arm to make mounting easier. 

The cantilever brakes feature two brake arms connected on either side of the wheel, along with a centrally lined cable pulling upwards when the lever is pressed. Cantilever brakes are reliable, simple, and mostly used on mountain bikes due to their higher clearance between the mechanism and the wheel. Their design is based on the idea of utilizing a cable to pull its brake pads toward the rim on the opposite side of the seat stay or fork. 

Pros of Cantilever Brakes 

• Excellent braking power in wet and muddy conditions 
• Better support with larger rims 
• Has a long lever arm 
• Doesn’t require any adapter 
• Rims don’t wear down when braking a lot

Cons of Cantilever Brakes 

• Tuning is difficult 
• Difficult to maintain, install and replace 
• Less suitable for narrow rims 

What are V-brakes? 

The v-brake consists of two brake pads that act at an angle to cause friction and slow the bike down. Most bicycles are equipped with v-brakes. Today, v-brakes are still used because they offer superior braking performance compared to other types of brakes.

Many brake pads are made from rubber or resin, but some manufacturers use steel or aluminum instead. Thanks to its unique design, v-brakes are reliable, durable, and easy to maintain. 

V-Brakes are commonly found on city bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes, and affordable hybrids. They have two brake arms connected to either side of the rim, but the cable is mounted onto the side, meaning they are a direct pull instead of a center pull. This means that one arm is being pulled toward the rim, and the other arm is being pushed toward the rim. On the center pull variety, both arms are being pulled toward the rim. 

V-brakes are affordable, simple, and give fairly good stopping power for everyday riding in the city. However, they’re not a rider’s favorite on performance bikes due to their modularity and subpar braking. 

Pros of V-brakes 

• The ride is much smoother and lighter 
• Easy to maintain and replacement 
• More potent when it comes to increasing leverage 
• Lots of stopping power for urgent situations 
• Very affordable 

Cons of V-brakes 

• Not suitable for muddy or wet roads 
• Requires an adapter for road bike style 

Are Cantilever and V-brakes the Same? 

While both are caliper brakes, cantilever and v-brakes aren’t the same. Cantilever brakes have two wires connected in an upside-down V at the top. On the other hand, v-brakes are connected horizontally above the tire.

It is easy to see how the wires are connected by inspecting the brakes on the front tire. A cantilever brake consists of two wires that form an upside-down V and connect at a single point about 3 inches (7.5 cm) above the tire.

Cantilever brakes are typically found on older bikes, such as mountain bikes and hybrids. Several road bikes have them as well. The brake caliper of a cantilever brake extends two arms to the wheel’s rim. Brake pads sit between these arms and clamp down on them.

Modern bikes come with v-brake pads that stop your bike more effectively than cantilevers since they don’t rely only on friction but also have springs built into them for additional stopping power.

While they have many differences, there are some similarities between the two. For instance, most cantilevers and v-brakes are cable operated. They also function similarly where once you pull the levers, a cable immediately rotates the brake arms holding the rim. The brake shoes rub against the rim to slow down your bike. 

Cantilever Brakes vs V-Brakes: Major Differences

Both brake systems have cables to pull brake pads against the rim. In spite of this, they operate from different angles; thus, they have some notable differences. 

Mechanical Advantage

One of the primary differences between these two braking systems is their mechanical advantage. V-brakes have a higher mechanical advantage when compared with cantilevers.

That’s because V-brakes pull directly on the brake arms, unlike cantilever brakes, which pull at an angle with transverse cables. V-brakes also bypass transverse cables, pulling the brake arms from an advantageous position by allowing you to apply a lot of force to the rims. They are mechanically superior because of their longer and more rigid-effort arms.

By applying just a little effort force during braking, a rider can apply maximum force to the rim. As a result of the mechanical advantages of the two braking systems, they also have different 

clearances for tires.

Tire Clearance 

Compared to regular or mini v-brakes, cantilever brakes offer higher tire clearance. Thus, cantilevers are easily adaptable to wide tires. Furthermore, these brakes are less likely to accumulate dust. As a bonus, the higher clearance gives you enough room to install fenders and never becomes an obstacle when removing or installing tires.

When you squeeze the levers of cantilever brakes, their brake arms travel a longer distance, which means they have a broader wheel clearance than v-brakes. V-brakes have poor clearance, so mud accumulates more easily.

Adjustability 

V-brakes are much easier to adjust than cantilever brakes. Cantilever brakes have two wires connecting the brake pads to a central point. If one of the wires is too loose, it’s more difficult to adjust than the v-brakes. Conversely, each wire on a v-brake can be tightened separately with a screw.

Also, cantilever brakes have multiple directions for adjusting their brake pads. It can be quite frustrating to get it at the right height and angle. V-brakes hold the pads in place, so they are much less fiddly to adjust and require fewer adjustments.

Maintaining the performance of brake pads requires regular adjustments. You can go a long time without adjusting them, and it will be fine. You should aim to adjust them every two weeks to a month, depending on how often you use them.

Brake Pads 

V-brakes and Cantilevers have different brake pads as well. In older cantilever-brake designs, the brake pads are attached to the brake arms with separate bolts and washers.

However, v-brakes use bolts that protrude from the pads to mount on the arms. As a result, these pads come with washers and bolts included.

A v-brake system can’t use older cantilever pads. There is no attachment system included with them, only a smooth post. As a result, linear-pull brakes aren’t compatible with them. Modern cantilever brakes are, however, capable of operating with v-brake pads.

Durability 

A typical v-brake comprises a metallic cable, a noodle, and two brake arms. Except for the boot, handlebar, and rubber pads, the body is either an alloy of steel or aluminum. In modern brakes, metal and aluminum alloys are combined with plastic components. 

Consider buying a v-brake with a mostly metal body if durability is important to you. If you maintain the system properly, it can last you decades, and you may only need to replace the rubber pad once or twice. 

Cantilevers typically use metallic cables made from aluminum or steel alloys. Metal was used for the anchor bolt, carrier, removable ends, and main cable. Rubberized bodies were only available for the shoes and the pad. 

Cantilevers are more durable than v-brakes. The rubber should be replaced when necessary if you maintain yours properly. 

Brake Levers 

Due to their different mechanical advantages, these two braking systems have unique brake levers. 

V-brakes have an excess mechanical advantage, which allows them to move less than cantilever brakes. As a result, v-brakes use a lever that consumes more cable in order to manage this situation.

Products with high mechanical advantages have smaller outputs than inputs. By contrast, cantilevers have a relatively lower mechanical advantage. Therefore, when you pull a cantilever lever, it generates more brake pad movement. 

It’s now clear why v-brake levers pull more cable than cantilevers. Therefore, cantilever brakes and v-brakes aren’t interchangeable. 

Convenience 

Each braking system is convenient to install if the models of the bike match the brakes. However, v-brakes are much easier to install, especially when changing the rubbers. All you need to do is drive several screws across both arms of the lever. The same applies when replacing the rubbers. 

Installing and replacing cantilever rubbers require some skill. The replacement process may take 30 to 45 minutes using a screwdriver or a bolt opener. 

Compatibility 

V-brakes work incredibly well on mountain bikes due to their boot’s presence in geometry, allowing them to load more cable than cantilever brakes. While that makes them more powerful, it eliminates the compatibility with regular road bikes. However, if you want to use v-brakes for regular road bikes, you may need to use an adapter. 

Cantilever brakes work perfectly with road bikes. They auger well with most touring bikes on the market. However, the downside is that they’re not best suited for tandems and mountain bikes since their cable load is quite limited. 

Which is Better: Cantilever Brakes or V-Brakes?

V-brakes are more powerful and easier to maintain than cantilever brakes. Additionally, they have better modulation, so you can control your speed better when going downhill.

For starters, v-brakes have a higher mechanical advantage than cantilever brakes. Thus, they exert a greater force on the rim when squeezing the lever, meaning they have increased leverage. 

Additionally, it’s much easier to mount brake shoes on v-brakes than cantilever brakes. Finding replacement brake pads is easier for v-brake systems. When it comes to DIY enthusiasts, v-brakes are a great option for saving money.

Unlike cantilever braking systems with exposed cables above the forms and seat stays, the v-brake system has a discrete profile. They utilize a direct pull from the cable to the brake arms at an optimal angle. Direct-pull brakes are user-friendly, making them the more popular option for rides that use rim brakes. 

The cantilever brakes, however, are lighter than the v-brakes since they don’t contain as much metal. Their light weight makes them ideal for racing bikes. Additionally, they’re easier to adjust and maintain. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are the most frequently asked questions about cantilevers and v-brakes. 

Can I replace the cantilever brakes with v-brakes? 

V-brakes can replace cantilever brakes. You’ll need to make sure your frame has the correct mounts for v-brakes. They won’t fit on your bike if you just replace them with any brakes.

When replacing cantilevers with v-brakes, you’ll need to make sure your bike has enough room to accommodate the new calipers. Without it, you can’t install them.

What do you need to replace cantilever brakes with v-brakes? 

As mentioned, installing a v-brake system to replace cantilever brakes is possible. Since the systems are different, you must purchase the following components.

• New v-brakes
• Brake levers compatible with v-brakes
• A housing fit and new brake cable for v-brakes
• Clamp-on cable to anchor the cable onto the top tube

Some frames designed for cantilever brakes flex too much due to the extra braking power. Therefore, you should consider buying a brake booster plate to help improve your braking performance. Additionally, it works with both linear-pull and cantilever brakes. This results in a more stable bike with improved braking, as the booster plates stiffen the fork pivots and seat stays.

How do you maintain your cantilevers and v-brakes to ensure good working conditions?

The best way to maintain your brakes is to keep them free from dirt and debris by performing regular cleaning. Inspect your cantilever or v-brakes periodically and look for any signs of potential wear or damage. Take your bike to a qualified mechanic for professional servicing if you notice any problems. 

What should you do if your brakes aren’t functioning properly?

If your brakes aren’t working properly, check the following: 

• Ensure the cables are routed and connected properly 
• Check that the braked pads are installed and aligned properly 
• Adjust the brakes to ensure the optimal amount of tension 
• Inspect the condition of the cables and look for any damaged or frayed areas  

Why aren’t cantilevers and v-brake levers interchangeable?

The difference in mechanical advantages causes both braking systems to use different brake levers. V-brake levers can pull a greater cable length than cantilevers to engage the brakes. Cantilevers only need a slight squeeze on the lever resulting in significant movement from the brake arms. Since the v-brake levers are made to pull more cable than cantilevers, the brake levers aren’t interchangeable. 

Wrapping It Up 

V-brakes are an evolved variant of cantilever brakes. Each braking mechanism is made with a specific type of bike in mind. 

Cantilever brakes are made for on-road touring bikes; bike v-brakes are best used for mountain bikes or tandem. 

Both offer high-quality stopping power but vary in design, mechanical advantage, and braking components. Thus, you can’t switch your bike brakes without completely changing other components, such as the levers, pads, and housing. 

Once you pair the right brake for your bike type, learn how the braking technique works. Now it’s time to go out there, get yourself, and find a brake that can handle your biking adventures.