Bicycle Mechanics - How to measure brakes?

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mrog71
08-08-04, 07:34 AM
Hi all,

I'm wanting to buy new brake calipers for my old Peugeot 103 and I'm wondering how you measure the reach? Also, can I replace my old center pull brakes with the newer side pull ones?
thanks
Matt

seely
08-08-04, 07:41 AM
You don't really need to measure the reach... just be sure you get the same style brake as you currently have. Centerpulls are typically found on 27" wheels & older 700c roadbikes, and the new sidepulls won't work to replace them in most cases.
sydney
08-08-04, 08:23 AM
You don't really need to measure the reach... just be sure you get the same style brake as you currently have. Centerpulls are typically found on 27" wheels & older 700c roadbikes, and the new sidepulls won't work to replace them in most cases.
Well, you certainly do need to know the reach, and centerpulls can be replaced with sidepulls.There are even modern centerpulls available. Get the approximate reach by measuring from the center of the mounting hole to a perpindicular line that intersects the middle of the braking surface. One also has to pay attention to the mounting type: nutted or recessed.

dafydd
08-08-04, 08:32 AM
You definitely need to measure reach to know what will fit; there are plenty of older bikes with sidepulls that a modern sidepull will be too short for.

You also have to keep in mind the vast majority of quality modern brakes take recessed allen bolts, and you will have to drill out your fork crown and seatstay bridge to make them work. The only good brake I know of that is still nutted is the Shimano RX100, which you may have to special order. A good-value brake though.

Why not just keep the centerpulls? They take longer to set up, but they are powerpull when done right. After all, a "dual pivot" is a centerpull/sidepull hybrid. Put in lined housing and fresh cables, koolstops, sand the rims if they're steel, get rid of the idiot levers... you should have plenty of stopping power. Good clearance for fenders as well.
mrog71
08-08-04, 06:40 PM
Thanks for the input guys. The main reason I want to replace them is the way the brake pads are installed. The bracket is 90 degrees to the wheel, so you can't use the standard straight brake pads. (Sorry I don't know all the technical terms) :)