V-brakes ousted cantilevers because they are more powerful, as well as being easier to adjust. However, there has always been a trade-off in terms of pad wear – cantilever pads last much longer. V-brakes stop you faster because the way they are designed pushes them onto the rim harder than cantilevers, wearing out both the rim and brake blocks faster. So, enjoy the powerful braking but remember that as a direct consequence you are going to have to learn to inspect brake blocks frequently for wear and replace them. Depending on where and how you ride, you can wear out brake blocks at the rate of a set per day, and through a rim in a matter of months.
Regular maintenance
Keeping blocks and rims clean will make a huge…
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Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques (Digital) - 1 Issue, Bike Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Techniques 3rd Edition