[summitlt]

I have a low end BMX bike and there is only mounts for caliper brakes in the front, and U brakes in the rear.

I got a caliper in the front and Ive tried a million different ones I got laying around. My first problem is that they arent worth sh!t for stopping. I remember my little 5 speed "Mountain" bike had caliper brakes and it would lock the front end up at times. I just cant seem to get the things to work good enough, Im using canti levers, but even though I may have more leverage with the caliper brake levers (if they are different) If I grab them as hard as I can they will grab enough to bend the brakes. They will flex liek they have play enough that I cant keep the pads off of the tire, but If I tighten them up so that they dont flex they wont retract. Even with the smallest adjustment they still do it.

Is there any way to put V brakes without getting mounts brazed on, I doubt it, but it soesnt hurt to ask.

so my question is, how can I get these damn things to work worth anything

 

[dirtpaws]

You need a slice of Big Cheeeeeeeze

Big Cheese makes this adapter that you can mount onto caliper frames or forks.
The center top hole screws into the hole where your caliper would screw into. The the sides are kept in place with those plumbing pipe fastener brackets.

Voila, instant V-brake bosses on any frame and fork.

I have never tried it myself, so I can't give a testimonial. I found this months ago when I was thinking about turning my junky road bike into a cyclocross bike and wanted to run Vees.

Airbomb has this for around $30:
https://store.airbomb.com/ba/asp/ic.BR9121/ab/Itemdesc.htm

 

[summitlt]

Thats perfect, I gotta see If I can make one of those... $30 seems steep for a bike I dont ride that often.
'
Thanks a lot

 

[bulC]

odyssey

Thats perfect, I gotta see If I can make one of those... $30 seems steep for a bike I dont ride that often.
'
Thanks a lot

I once but an Odyssery Pit Bull rollercam style brake on a bike that came with a bmx style wimpy sidepull. maybe www.danscomp.com? they carry all the bmx stuff.
t'was a sad day for us all when Moots stopped producing its Moots Mounts, which let us put canti (V) or rollercam brakes on any forks or stays. A sad day.

 

[dirtpaws]

Thats perfect, I gotta see If I can make one of those... $30 seems steep for a bike I dont ride that often.
'
Thanks a lot

$30 does seem steep. I inquired how much brazing on bosses would cost locally.Was surprised to too see that t would be $25 for labor and materials. The only this is that you'll have to paint the torched areas, but no biggie.