1993 Cannondale M-500

[Shiznik]

I have a 1993 Cannondale M500 aluminum frame. Its a wonderful bike and I love it. However its a 21 speed and the speed shifters and the brake levers are made ito one single unit. I am needing advice on what it will take for me to change over from the current cantilevers to V brakes. The bike has the bosses for the conversion but I need to know what brakes and shifters can replace the current set up. Can I do this and stay inexpensive with maybe some Tektros or another brand?
Thanks,

Chris

[nfmisso]

Hi Chris;

I swapped the cantis on our tandem for Avid SD 5 linear pull (V-brakes), with Tektro Eclipse levers and SRAM MRX shifters for the Shimano derailleurs.

http://forums.bikeride.com/thread-2920-page-1.html

There are lots of choices out there.

[Shiznik]

(09-09-2011, 12:01 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  Hi Chris;

I swapped the cantis on our tandem for Avid SD 5 linear pull (V-brakes), with Tektro Eclipse levers and SRAM MRX shifters for the Shimano derailleurs.

http://forums.bikeride.com/thread-2920-page-1.html

There are lots of choices out there.

The issue I'm trying to figure out is the levers. I forgot to mention that the model of the brakes and levers are Shimano Deore LZ. The levers are combined. I think I am going to have to purchase separate levers and shifters. Then in addition, purchase the V brakes. I was hoping to find someone that might have a set or what could work for me that they don't need so I wouldn't have to buy new. Other than buying new and not knowing what I need to buy, I'm lost. I used to race BMX with our son and am real familiar with building bikes but not when it comes to finding used, or a decent value for the equipment that I need. I have faith I can do the labor myself. Nigel, if it were you, what route would you take or how would you solve the issue and windup with V brakes on the bike? Could I just upgrade to a really good canti? I've never cared that much for cantis. The V brakes stop on a dime from my experience and have always been the preference from all the racers.

I appreciate all your help!

Chris

[Shiznik]

(09-09-2011, 12:47 PM)Shiznik Wrote:  

(09-09-2011, 12:01 PM)nfmisso Wrote:  Hi Chris;

I swapped the cantis on our tandem for Avid SD 5 linear pull (V-brakes), with Tektro Eclipse levers and SRAM MRX shifters for the Shimano derailleurs.

http://forums.bikeride.com/thread-2920-page-1.html

There are lots of choices out there.

The issue I'm trying to figure out is the levers. I forgot to mention that the model of the brakes and levers are Shimano Deore LZ. The levers are combined. I think I am going to have to purchase separate levers and shifters. Then in addition, purchase the V brakes. I was hoping to find someone that might have a set or what could work for me that they don't need so I wouldn't have to buy new. Other than buying new and not knowing what I need to buy, I'm lost. I used to race BMX with our son and am real familiar with building bikes but not when it comes to finding used, or a decent value for the equipment that I need. I have faith I can do the labor myself. Nigel, if it were you, what route would you take or how would you solve the issue and windup with V brakes on the bike? Could I just upgrade to a really good canti? I've never cared that much for cantis. The V brakes stop on a dime from my experience and have always been the preference from all the racers.

I appreciate all your help!

Chris

Nigel,

I don't want to seem a little on the dumb side, but would it be possible if you could list what items I would need to replace my rapid fire shifter/brake lever combinations(they are all one piece), and then possibly list what I should go with as far as a good value V-brake?

Thanks,

Chris

[nfmisso]

Hi Chris;

The tandem had really good Shimano cantis with Kool Stop Salmon pads (best pads out there) - still no where near as good as fresh out of the box Avid Single Digit Five (SD V) linear pull (V brakes).
http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Single-Digit-Bicycle-Linear/dp/B000NNQKGC/

If you like the combined shifter/brake levers:
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Shifters-Speed-Canti-Brake/dp/B0031QN1QK/

Separate brake levers:
The Tektro Eclipse levers http://www.amazon.com/Tektro-MT2-1-Eclipse-Brake-V-Brake/dp/B00288JJQS/ work with V brakes or other styles of brakes by having two different positions for attaching the cable. I have these levers on my commuter http://forums.bikeride.com/thread-3216.html and our tandem. I like them a great deal.

I prefer twist grip shifters; at least on for the rear.
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Bicycle-Twist-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B000C15HS2/
http://www.amazon.com/Front-Bicycle-Twist-Shifter-Micro/dp/B000NNX2SG/

And here is a 21 speed trigger shifter set
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Mountain-Trigger-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B000VSY9Q2/

So you need the brakes, then choose between integrated shifter/brake or separate. If separate, for the shifters there are choices of: grip, trigger, lever.

[Painkiller]

You could just put v-brakes on and leave your shifters and levers alone, try it out you might like the feel. then if you do not like it you can swap out the shifters and levers

[Shiznik]

(09-09-2011, 05:08 PM)painkiller Wrote:  You could just put v-brakes on and leave your shifters and levers alone, try it out you might like the feel. then if you do not like it you can swap out the shifters and levers

I was told that the V brakes require a different leverage of "pull" than the cantis is what is throwing me off. It sounds great if I could just change out the brakes and leave the levers and shifters alone.

Chris

[Painkiller]

yes that is true, however they can still be used. i have done it with lx shifters like yours and it has a soft spongy feel but stop quite good. I still use them. I replaced my canti with deore xt v-brakes.
they cost more than other brands but my whole bike was shimano and i wanted to keep it that way. Nigel likes the cheaper ones and seems to work great for him and should for you also.
If you swap 7spd shifters your only option is to go cheap or very costly.
thats why i say for now just buy the v-brakes and try them out. you just may like the feel.
If you want trigger style shifters higher end you have to search hard for 7spd ones and pay through the nose if you find them. Have you any thoughts of going to high end top mount thumb shifters, one of my favorites. my last thumb shifters v-brake and lever swap cost
Deore top mount thumb NOS $100
Deore v-brake levers $25
Deore xt V-brakes $90
just to go higher end 7spd Shimano

[Painkiller]

here is the difference in brake lever feel between what you have and if you swap out levers with v- compatible
notice how much farther the lever goes in with what you have right now matched with v-brakes. they still stop good but will pinch your fingers in hard riding conditions when braking hard