Bicycle Mechanics - caliper brakes

hiya

I just bought a bike with caliper brakes that are a little shot - i've only really worked with V brakes, but now I'm reading how hard it is to adjust calipers! Arrhh! Did I make a bad choice?? My post-purchase doubt is beginning to settle in!!!

Is it expensive to replace them? Are they very specific - ie: need to make sure they fit the frame? I'm considering picking up a new pair, but the wheels on the bike i just bought aren't racing wheels - so would it be fair to assume racing calipers won't fit?

Check out the info (http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/101_sidepull.html) on sidepull caliper brakes.

Older sidepulls can be very weak and bendy. Modern designs such as Shimano dual pivots are a whole lot better and a very effective upgrade. The Shimanos are available in std and long drop versions. My long drops are used on a frame which accepts 32mm tyres + fenders.

Nashbar makes a nice set of long reach calipers (45-57 mm) that do not break the bank. they are dual pivot and have good stopping power. I used a set last season on a touring bike and was not disapointed.

hiya

I just bought a bike with caliper brakes that are a little shot - i've only really worked with V brakes, but now I'm reading how hard it is to adjust calipers! Arrhh! Did I make a bad choice?? My post-purchase doubt is beginning to settle in!!!

Is it expensive to replace them? Are they very specific - ie: need to make sure they fit the frame? I'm considering picking up a new pair, but the wheels on the bike i just bought aren't racing wheels - so would it be fair to assume racing calipers won't fit?

Modern dual pivot caliper brakes are a piece of cake to adjust. If you have some older Dia Compe brakes replaceing them is well worth the cost because new ones will be both easier to keep adjusted and will stop your bike better. The important thing to check when looking for replacements is "reach". You need to measure the vertical distance from your brake mounting hole to the braking surface of your rim in millimeters.

The important thing to check when looking for replacements is "reach". You need to measure the vertical distance from your brake mounting hole to the braking surface of your rim in millimeters.

is this placing measuring from the middle of the hole directly (Diagonally) to the braking surface? Or do i measure vertically down to the level of the breaking surface?

ahh the bike has single pivot sidepulls! am i stuffed? can i ever get replacements?

is this placing measuring from the middle of the hole directly (Diagonally) to the braking surface? Or do i measure vertically down to the level of the breaking surface?

Measure vertically.