Classic & Vintage - Switching back brake to the front?

So I recently broke my front brake in a crash, modern brakes won't fit, and it's difficult to find vintage brakes around here. So in the mean time, would it be okay to switch the bolt in my back brake and move it to the front? I have Modolo Sporting brakes.

So I recently broke my front brake in a crash, modern brakes won't fit, and it's difficult to find vintage brakes around here. So in the mean time, would it be okay to switch the bolt in my back brake and move it to the front? I have Modolo Sporting brakes.

Ancient Chinese secret: Most front and rear brakes are identical save for the bolt. All of the Modolos I've taken apart have been.

Rebuilding a caliper is typically very easy as well.

Danny

Ancient Chinese secret: Most front and rear brakes are identical save for the bolt. All of the Modolos I've taken apart have been.

Rebuilding a caliper is typically very easy as well.

Danny

Thanks!

Actually my front brake is bent, not exactly broken. Can that be repaired easily?

Alluminum is usually not very good to rebend after it has been deformed. It tends to be seriously weakened, and may fail abruptly, so brakes are not a place to be taking chances. If it is just a slight tweak, you may get away with it, but if it is a major deformity, then I would replace the brake. If you do repair the old brake, put it on the rear, with the good one up front.

Many older bikes, particularly from England, Austria, or Japan, take a longer brake reach in back than in front, so compare your calipers before swapping. Do not attempt to straighten a bent brake arm. You can probably find a suitable replacement caliper on eBay or even right here on bikeforums -- just let us know what you need, and one of us may have it in the ol' bone pile. :)

check ebay, I often see modolo brakes for sale, just look for one with the same
mounting bolt. I wouldn't recommend bending calipers back into shape.

Marty