Box Three Mini V-Brake 85mm Review Gravel Bike

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. 

Specs

Cold-forged 6061-T6 Aluminum

Dual-compound Pads

Brass bushings

Stainless steel hardware

Weights: 197 grams

Rating

I really like these brakes.  Strong braking and a great look.  I have ridden with these all summer and give them 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Click here to get your own Box Three Mini V-brake on AMAZON

Published by FAB Jim The Cyclist

Jim has over 40 years of experience with bicycles and loves road and mountain biking and just going for calm cruises. He is a mechanic who has built custom bikes and is also very interested in bike history.

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