Why are pads on linear-pull brakes so much longer?
#1
Senior Member
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Why are pads on linear-pull brakes so much longer?
I've had a few bikes with a couple of different brake systems on them in the past. I have noted that of all of them, linear-pull ("V") brakes always seem to have distinctively long pads. Why is this? Is there something about the mechanics of that sort of brake that requires a longer pad (so long that it follows the wheel's arc, even) as compared to seemingly every other form of rim-brake?
#3
Senior Member
Do you know that or is it a guess? It seems unlikely to me, otherwise why use linear pull brakes. I'd always assumed that it was because they are generally found on the sort of bike that needs better stopping power or good stopping power in adverse conditions. I'm sure it isn't coincidence that disk brakes appeared first on mountain bikes.
#4
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It would seem that at least one reason that v-brakes are used is that they can reach around wide tires and give more clearance when unhooked to remove those wheels with wide tires on them.
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I believe you have this backwards. Pressure increases as surface area decreases (smaller brake pads). (P = F/A) Longer pads effectively decrease pressure, which would imply stronger forces are applied by v-brakes, which corresponds with my experience.
#6
Banned
You can put on shorter pads if you wish, I did so on my 16" wheel Bike Friday..
The stock pads came from the makers of the brakes, with the part.
and no one had any profit motive, in changing that.
....
The stock pads came from the makers of the brakes, with the part.
and no one had any profit motive, in changing that.
....
#7
Newbie
Longer pads have more modulation because the pressure can be applied more gradually.
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This is correct. Early V-brakes were very grabby, too on/off with no modulation. This resulted in lots of of OTBs (esp since everyone on mtn bikes back in the day was coming off the previous cantilever brakes, which lacked leverage).
Longer pads have more modulation because the pressure can be applied more gradually.
Longer pads have more modulation because the pressure can be applied more gradually.
#9
Banned
Modulator noodles , come on entry level bike V brakes for casual users.
housing sits and pushes against a spring, then the spring sits against the shoulder, of the noodle,
rather than the housing end sitting directly against that shoulder..
housing sits and pushes against a spring, then the spring sits against the shoulder, of the noodle,
rather than the housing end sitting directly against that shoulder..
#10
Senior Member
Brake force will be the same with small or large pads. Small pads have more pressure, but over smaller surface.
The advantage of larger pads is they heat up less (less heat per area) and need less frequent replacement. Works similar for disc brakes.
The advantage of larger pads is they heat up less (less heat per area) and need less frequent replacement. Works similar for disc brakes.
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Yes. The wider portion that the housing fits into. You might have to fish it out with a small hook. Now, I finally replaced the noodles because one of them had a dent in it, and the new noodles didn't have the springs.
Note that I'm not an engineer, and I don't know if there is some massive safety reason for needing the springs, that I haven't thought of. But caliper brakes don't have those springs.
Note that I'm not an engineer, and I don't know if there is some massive safety reason for needing the springs, that I haven't thought of. But caliper brakes don't have those springs.
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i use ultegra/dura ace holders , with shimano r55c4s , i dont do much MTB but the ones i have always do right by me for road and cross !!!!