Bicycle Mechanics - road bike brake alternatives?

I am converting my 06 Allez road bike to a ss/fixed commuter bike. I was hoping i could put on slightly wider cross tires for the winter and maybe use different brakes. I'm relatively new to this...would it be possible to use any brakes besides standard dual pivot caliper brakes? They don't have the best stopping power, especially in wet weather. Any suggestions?

If you're willing to change the fork, a whole new world of opportunities opens up

as for the rear, I think you're stuck with calipers unless you're doing ss and want to run a coaster brake (which I don't think is recommended)

Well, if he is running a fixie, then he already has brakes for the rear tire.

Maybe try some different brake pads?

I thought the Allez had std vertical dropouts. How are you going to set this up as a fixie?
You can fit some 28mm tyres which are sufficient for winter use but the Allez is not well suited to fenders which, if you are worried about wet-weather performance, might be a consideration.
Dual pivot calipers work as well as any other rim brake, as long as you feather the brakes to dry rims you will be OK. Roller-drum brakes are adequate and maintain their adequacy under all conditions. I have never been impressed with cable discs, they are nowhere near as good as their hydraulic cousins.

try some kool-stop salmon pads before you give up on those brakes.

I put a cyclocross fork on mine and added a front disc brake. It does require replacing
the front hub though.

I thought the Allez had std vertical dropouts. How are you going to set this up as a fixie?


Chain tensioner i.e. Surly Singulator

Chain tensioner i.e. Surly Singulator

you can't go fixie with a tensioner.

you can't go fixie with a tensioner.

Oversight on my part. Apologies.

To go fixie...

I suppose you could find the exact ring and cog sizes for a chain length that will allow the chain to work in the vertical drop-outs with just enough slack to allow a manual derail of the front ring so you can get the wheel off? Seems more difficult than it's worth.


OP, any chance you can just build your SS/FG from scratch or buy one on CL? Are you planning to never ride a geared bike again or looking to get a new geared?

As for the brakes, try Krash's suggestion first.

offset hub perhaps?

As for the brakes, try Krash's suggestion first.

+1
No rim brake has truly had a chance to prove itself until it's equipped with Kool Stop salmon pads-

sorry about the delayed response...

i just bought a new road bike, so i converted the Allez into a ss/fixed using a white industries ENO hub