I’m doing the cool thing and building a 26 inch MTB into a gravel bike, but I’m having issues with tyre clearance and my preferred option of mini V brakes.
I have 2.0 inch tyres that fit into the frame just fine, but the top of the tyre is contacting the cable between the two brake arms.
Has anyone built up anything similar and potentially had to solve this issue before?
Swapping to Cantis is an option but they won’t look as good, I’ll need to find a hanger for the threadless headset, etc.
I have been waiting three years for someone to ask this. First, congratulations on this excellent endeavour. The rewards will be manifold. Mini Vs are tremendously cool but you’re gonna have to go for something longer to clear the tyre, without going to the full 116mm Deore LXs. Depending on your levers (very very important) a longer V brake is likely to provide greater mechanical advantage. Avid have quite a range. My personal favourite, which currently adorns my Boxdog Pelican, are Shimano DX. You’ll need to go looking but they’re around, and they are quality polished silver things, not too short and not too long. For levers, if you are going drop bar (of course you are) Cane Creek and Dia Compe are your go-to. Looking forward to seeing the finished masterpiece.
Thanks team. Ive now learned there’s a full continuum of arm lengths and not just Minis and regulars.
The current option which hasn’t worked are 85mm Tektros. I’m looking around for 90-95mm options as I do want to persevere with the v brakes, although I did consider cantis again.
All the options suggested sound good quality, which I definitely appreciate. I don’t want to disappoint anyone but I’m using this build to try out a cheap Chinese option (LTwoo). I’m keen to see how it goes in real life, not on YouTube. I have to say the parts look and feel better than I expected.
If longer minis don’t work I’ll be looking at the Travel Agents…