Bicycle Mechanics - long reach brakes

I have a circa. 1985 Raleigh Super Grand Prix that I rebuilt into a touring bike. Originally this bike had 27" wheels, that I replaced for 700c road bike wheels (the 27" wheels where shot and also metal rims).

The bike has single pivot brakes (Weinnman 870) that I find have little stopping power compared to my road bike with dual pivot 105.

As far as I can tell the distance from the brake pivot bolt to the rim is about 57mm (top) to 64mm bottom. I used a ruler to measure the distance, but is approximate. Normal road brake calipers obviously won't reach the rim.

Is it possible to get dual pivot long reach brakes for such a distance?

To increase stopping power so far I have bought new Shimano 600 aero levers and new shimano brake pads. Some help, but not much. I cannot find a softer road brake pad, like the salmon coloured available for mtb bikes.

If I cannot get longer reach calipers then what other options do I have to increase stopping power?

Thanks
Dgr

Yes you can get long reach calipers, check out harris cyclery he carries them.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/brakes.html#calipers

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34219

Anyone?

William,

will drop bolts work in your situation?
if so you can find them at loose screws. or Harris bikes


Marty

If you go to a shop that uses Quality as a supplier, they list brake caliper reach in the catalog. We often use long reach calipers on fixed conversions(old frames/new wheels)

I had a look at those drop bolts. They are way too expensive by the time I convert to Can dollars and shipping.

It is possible for me to rig up my own homemade drop bolt. But it would look.....unprofessional and untidy. Of course, this coming from someone who has both V brakes and cantis on his mtb bike. :-)

Digger

Hey Digger, check out the posts and pictures from Hot Pepper on this thread. He has a nice homemade drop bolt on his rig. Good luck.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30639&perpage=15&pagenumber=4