Improved braking, RANS V2

Anyone out there got any suggestions for brakes that will fit a RANS V2 that are better than the stock brakes? I've tried adjusting and the brakes just aren't that great. I live in an area with lots of hills and on the downhills I frequently need to go from 30+ to stop sign pretty quickly. Will improved pads be good enough?

When clean and adjusted, rim brakes are sufficient imho, but nothing to brag about. For proper maintenance and adjustment, start here: http://www.sram.com/_media/techdocs/...-7-install.pdf

Changing pads may, or may not help. Making sure everything is clean and properly adjusted is the best and cheapest starting point. Wipe the rims and pad surfaces with alcohol then adjust the pads according to the manufacture's instructions (the link above). If rim and pad cleaning and adjustment fails to satisfy, then check cables for tight or sharp bends and or housing flex - indicated by spongy brake application.

One bad thing about the RANS design is that the stays are a bit wimpy. Because of that, rear braking can usually be improved by adding a brake booster. That's a horseshoe-shaped device that mounts to the canti posts and keeps the stays from spreading when you apply the binders. You should be able to find a booster for under $20 - I have a carbon one I found on sale for $5.

Thanks BP, I'm not familiar with brake boosters but it seems like a fairly simple and logical solution.

Optimum braking is largely dependent on friction quality and applied pressure. Brake boosters inhibit stay flex, which helps to eliminate spongy levers, but does little to reduce stopping distance.

I don't think I have any applied pressure problems since the cables are pretty tight and I have a moderately powerful grip. The stock brakes are Avid with stock pads. Do you know of a replacement pad that is better?

Koolstop's, salmon have been recommended more than others. http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/

BTW, if your V2 is of steel variety, and it's a keeper, then consider having someone weld a disc brake mount on the rear and installing a quality disc setup.

I think I'll try the pads first. My V2 is the steel version and is definitely a keeper so if I have to make the modification, welding a disc brake mount is a possibility.