General Cycling Discussion - Side pull brakes reach length

I'm restoring an old mountain bike with side pull levers, like these.

http://centurycycles.com/images/library/catalogs/soc/p350X350m/BR7266.jpg



I was considering getting this (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR308G01-Odyssey+1999+Brakelever+Set+For+Bmx.aspx) from Jenson USA, but it says it's for BMX. Does this mean that it won't have sufficient length to reach my 26" tires? I currently have tires around the 2" range, but I'll be buying 1.5" tires soon.

Also, some brakes say they have a reach of X mm to Y mm. How is this measured? Say if it was 70mm - 90mm, would I be able to use this on my mtb?

Oh, and would the brake lever be able to fit my handlebar diameter (25.4 mm)?

measure from the bolthole on your seatstay brace to the center of your braking surface. that gives you what reach you need the brakes to encompass.

those should be fine, and the 22.2 lever should fit mtb bars just fine, same spec.

I was considering getting this (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR308G01-Odyssey+1999+Brakelever+Set+For+Bmx.aspx) from Jenson USA, but it says it's for BMX. Does this mean that it won't have sufficient length to reach my 26" tires? I currently have tires around the 2" range, but I'll be buying 1.5" tires soon.

That's probably what you'll need.

In addition to the reach actor (which you'll have to measure to be sure) you have to consider how wide the brakes will open when you do a wheel change. Typical road bike calipers will only fit a tire that's about 28mm wide. Those BMX calipers should be able to handle handle a 1.2" or 2" tire.

Ok, thanks guys. I found the same product on Tree Fort Bikes for less, so I'll order from them instead.