Folding Bikes - Questions for Raleigh 20 Owners that converted to 451 wheels

I have a few questions for Raleigh 20 Owners that converted to 451 wheels:


Did you use the stock fork of some type of replacement fork? (if replacement, what did you use?)
Did you use Cantilever brakes, V-brakes or Calipers in your conversion?

I realize that some have detailed their conversions on separate threads, but I thought it would be helpful to have a wide sampling of implementation in one place.

Also... What is your tire of choice?

I have a BF with 451 wheels and love Swalbe tires. Roger

bump

Raleigh made 2 types of Twenty; one with 451 rim size and the other bmx rim size. I think the only difference between the two (besides the rims) are the brakes. the bmx size have longer reach brake arms while 451 have the regular brake arms. I've seen both size of twenty side by side and as far I can tell the forks were the same. If you are going to use the stock fork then 451 should fit and get your self a pair of new Caliper brake and you'll be on your way.

mwmistak, if pxboii is right, I would take his suggestion 'cause other options will require a bit mor cash. If he is wrong, tho', I suggest looking for someone who does welding and have v-brake brazeons added. It's actually not as expensive as you would think and should only run $50-$75. The only problem is that it will ruin your paint job, so you have respray, juan

mwmistak, if pxboii is right, I would take his suggestion 'cause other options will require a bit mor cash. If he is wrong, tho', I suggest looking for someone who does welding and have v-brake brazeons added. It's actually not as expensive as you would think and should only run $50-$75. The only problem is that it will ruin your paint job, so you have respray, juan

I'm not too concerned about the paintjob as I'm having a number of modifications (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=203277) made to the bike. I was actually considering painting it and a couple other bikes I have (probably all the same color) since have access to an automotive paint gun and a compressor.

I only converted the rear wheel and I used a caliper brake. I use a Primo Comet tire

I only converted the rear wheel and I used a caliper brake. I use a Primo Comet tire
Cheg, when you say a caliper brake, do you mean a road style brake? If this is a stupid question, I apologize in advance. BTW Cheg, I ordered that part I told you about that would allow an 8 speed cassette to be used on the SRAM dual drive. I will be mounting it this weekend, Juan

I'm not too concerned about the paintjob as I'm having a number of modifications (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=203277) made to the bike. I was actually considering painting it and a couple other bikes I have (probably all the same color) since have access to an automotive paint gun and a compressor.

Sounds good. I myself am going to use the next winter to paint my Twenty. One question that might effect what you do about the whole brake problem is are you planning to use long pull or short pull(road style) brakes?
juan

Yes, it is a road style brake. The stock brake reach was too long and all of the standard reach brakes I found were too short. I cut out a plate from 1/8" stainless plate and extended the brake bridge to get the brake positioned right.

Sounds good. I myself am going to use the next winter to paint my Twenty. One question that might effect what you do about the whole brake problem is are you planning to use long pull or short pull(road style) brakes?
juan

I'm not sure as of yet...

I have a set of travel agent in case I decide to use V-Brakes.

I'll have to pick up a set of road style brakes if I go in that direction. I should wait till the wheels are on anyway to make sure I get the proper reach...

Cheg, thanks for the info and diagrams. With what you just told me, I think I will be building my own plate and mounting 451 size wheels on my Twenty. I may end up having to use a Paul, motobmx v-brake in the front, tho since the front doesn't have as good a way to mount a conversion plate for a road brake...I'll put some thought into it, though,
juan