Shifter/levers use w/canti's

[the jesus]

Read recently that most V-brake levers are not recommended for use with canti's. Will they not work together? Is this due to amount of space between bar and lever not allowing enough travel to apply proper force to the rim?
Am trying to salvage some shifter/levers to put on flat bars on a cross bike with canti's for someone who will be commuting around town on it.

[rockhound]

V-brakes require a lever that pulls more cable. This is done by increasing the distance between the pivot and the end of the lever so that more cable is pulled with the same amount of lever movement...

Make sense?

What brand and model year of shifter/lever?

[the jesus]

I may have a set of Shimano XT triggers, not sure of year, if not I'll be looking to pick up something on the cheap that will work.

[rockhound]

Performancebike.com sells a Tektro lever that is rebranded by them. It works for V or canti brakes and is usually on sale for $9.99.

[the jesus]

Thanks for the info, can't locate the old shifters, will look into those Tektro's.

[Ripp]

the jesus, I have a Croos bike that I put MTB riser bars on and used V-brake levers with the canti brakes. I'll admit, my first (and second) impressions were that the brakes were not very powerfull. However, in a panic stop situation about 2 weeks ago they did what I needed them to do and I didn't get run over. :) Seems they work just fine if I squeze hard enough!

So I think, if you have the parts already you should try them and see if you're happy with the performance. Then if you feel the need, buy the new levers.