Replacing cantilever brakes Just bought a winter beater to ride through the winter.  I knew it needed some love but the frame (Giant Yukon) fit well and it was a reasonable price.  

I just threw the bike up in my repair stand last night to discover although the brakes were partially working they all have a missing/broken plastic piece (They are missing the plastic piece that is labeled Spring adjuster below).  This piece connects the spring that pulls the brake away from the rim to the frame.



Picture taken from Sheldon Brown's Site.

I was thinking that rather than try and hunt around for that little piece that I should just go and buy a new set of brakes.  I was hoping to get some suggestions.  I was thinking that a set of v-brakes might be a good improvement.  They are a newer (but mature) technology.  I think if I upgrade to V-brakes that I will also need to get some new levers.  I just wanted to double check that they should fit my current bike (ie the pegs are in the same place).

Any other input would be appreciated.  Last winter I rode my mountain bike with disks so I am not excited about switching to rims but I want to protect my mountain bike from salt.
If you switch to V-brakes you will need new levers. V-brakes are designed for levers that have a lower mechanical advantage, but pull the cable farther. If you mix and match, your brakes will work, but not very well.

If you want to stay with cantilevers, I recommend Cane Creek.