I don’t really love the look of cantilever brakes on a gravel bike, especially on my Surly Cross Check which I use as a road bike. So, I spent many hours looking for an alternative that I would find more attractive. I couldn’t find a great installed picture, but the Box Three mini v-brakes really looked good to me. So, I went with them, and I do love the look and performance. My Tektro cantilevers braked well, but these have noticeably more power. I believe v-brakes have a mechanical advantage and these have bigger pads. Take a look:
Installation
Installation was very easy, a bit easier than cantilevers. Just a few small adjustments were necessary.
Performance
These definitely brake harder than the Tektro cantilever brakes I had before. V-brakes have mechanical advantage, and Box includes some really big pads which are dual compound. Great braking power. I’m using these with Campagnolo Veloce levers and I have no complaints.
Look
These are a nice shiny silver which is what I was looking for. Some of the other mini v-brakes out there are more of a flat silver. I also like the cleaner look over cantilever brakes with less exposed cables.
Colors
If silver isn’t your thing these also come in black, blue, and red.
