Cantilever Vs V Brakes, Which One You Should Choose?

If you are a pro cyclist, you already know about the types of brakes. But if you are a beginner, you may be confused about it. There are a lot of disc brakes, but they are too expensive. So here is the detailed comparison of cantilever vs v brakes.

Regarding braking systems for bicycles, two popular options are cantilever and V brakes. Both offer advantages and disadvantages and understanding their differences can help riders make an informed choice.

Cantilever brakes vs. V brakes – Detailed Comparison and Guide

Which One should you choose?

V brakes are easy to adjust and maintain rather than cantilevers. They don’t require as much clearance around the wheels, are also stronger, and they’re easier on your hands when braking.

Cantilever Brakes

The cantilever caliper rim brake is found on some cross-country touring, cyclocross, and older mountain bikes.

Cantilever brakes are good for fat or semi-fat knobby tires. 

Cantilever brakes are dual-pivot brakes with a “cantilever arm.” The brake pads are connected to the cantilever arms with a cable connecting the two arms. Cantilever brakes have great tire clearance but require more “adjustment” to work effectively. 

There are two main styles of cantilevers: 

Traditional, sometimes called “high profile” cantilevers and Low Profile cantilevers.

High-profile cantilevers stick out to the side more.

Low Profile cantilevers don’t stick out as far, offer better heel and body clearance, and can work better with panniers, depending on particulars.

Cantilever brakes provided the power and durability it took to stop a 400-pound team on a 45-pound tandem, barreling down a 7-mile descent at an 8% grade at over 60mph.

Why you should choose cantilever brakes

Cantilever and rim brakes are plentiful. They are less expensive than disc brakes, and replacement pads are easy to find. Also, they last longer, and replacement is relatively easy when pads do go bad. Rim brakes are quieter than disc brakes. 

Cantilevers are more powerful than single-pivot side pulls. Cantilever style can and has been forged, cast, machined, and stamped.

V Brakes 

Specifically designed for off-road use on a mountain bike. Another common name for V brakes is linear brakes because the part of the brake that squeezes together is flat and straight. 

V-brakes are operated via a cable from one side of the brake and across the top, pulling the two halves together. Other brake designs are out there, but they’re a rarity on mainstream bikes.

V brakes are similar to cantilever brakes but have longer arms,  increased stopping surface, and power than other rim brakes. This style is ideal for off-road riding and works well on wet or muddy tires.

The design of V brakes allows for more mechanical advantages. Therefore, when you squeeze the brakes, they give more force with less effort. Because of this reason, if you’re deciding between V brakes or cantilever brakes, it’s best to get V brakes. They’re much easier to use.

Why you should choose v brakes?

V brakes are good, the best type of rim brakes. The reasons are that they are the easiest to squeeze and they’re the easiest to adjust. The only brakes that offer superior performance are disk brakes. But V brakes still perform well enough that disk brakes aren’t always necessary.

When you squeeze the brakes, they provide more force with less effort. Because of this reason, it is best to get V brakes. They’re much easier to use.

 V brakes have a vertical wire opening and closing to bring the brake pads against the tire’s rim.

What’s the difference between V brakes and cantilever brakes?

Both are a type of caliper brakes, so they have similarities. But V brakes are not the same as cantilever brakes.

The difference is the 2 wires on the cantilever brakes connect in an upside-down V at the top of the brakes. At the same time, V brakes have a horizontal connection above the tire.

Are cantilever brakes powerful?

The cantilever evolved into an extremely powerful and reliable braking system. They have more clearance between the brakes and the rim of the tire. This is good for muddy conditions. 

Cantilever brakes were used on touring bikes and tandems for decades before mountain bikes were even invented. Loaded touring bikes and tandems put more severe weight loads on the brakes than bikes with just one person on them.

Why are V brakes better?

They are easy to maintain and replace, even on the go. Add no strain on the hubs or spokes. V-Brakes are a lot less expensive than disc brakes. Do not place stress on the hubs as well as the spokes. 

Therefore, as the wheel and its components do not heat up, the spokes and hub of bicycles with V brakes tend to have a longer life.

Are cantilever brakes good?

Cantilevers have more advantages for road and tandem bikes because they were designed for use on road and tandem bikes. Other manufacturers follow the trend because high-quality cantilever brakes have become hard to find.

Cantilever brakes have more clearance between the brakes and the rim of the tire. This is good for muddy conditions. But Cantilever brakes overall are certainly no better than V brakes. 

You can also check the Best mountain bikes under 500.

FAQ’s

What is the best braking system for a bike?

Disc brakes are among the most powerful bike brakes on the marketplace for mountain bikes. A majority of mountain riders depend on hydraulic disc brakes. Although it was invented after the rim brake, these are arguably the most well-regarded brakes due to their increased responsiveness and consistent performance in all weather conditions.

What is caliper vs. cantilever vs. V brakes?

The caliper brakes are mounted with a single bolt at the top of the fork and directly above the wheel on the frame. 

The cantilever brakes are mounted with two bolts, one on each fork leg and one on the frame on either side of the rear wheel.

V brakes are not the same as cantilever brakes. At the same time, V brakes have a horizontal connection above the tire.

My Final Words

The choice between cantilever vs V brakes depends on the specific needs and preferences of the rider. Cantilever brakes offer powerful stopping power and high clearance but may require more maintenance and setup. V brakes are simpler to install and lighter but may not be as powerful in certain conditions. Ultimately, riders should consider their riding style, terrain, and budget when deciding between these two braking systems.