Bicycle Mechanics - Adding brake bosses

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user name
10-14-04, 06:08 PM
I have a Trek reynolds 531 frame that is a nice old bike, however it is stuck with nutted, brakes, front and rear. As a result, brake choices are limited at best. I would like to have bosses added for the Paul Mafac Racer replica brakes that I have been coveting for awhile. I am, however, unsure of where I could get the bosses added at. Has anyone had a similar frame modification done? If so, where at, how much did you pay, and were you pleased with the results?

Thanks

halfspeed
10-14-04, 06:27 PM
I have a Trek reynolds 531 frame that is a nice old bike, however it is stuck with nutted, brakes, front and rear. As a result, brake choices are limited at best. I would like to have bosses added for the Paul Mafac Racer replica brakes that I have been coveting for awhile. I am, however, unsure of where I could get the bosses added at. Has anyone had a similar frame modification done? If so, where at, how much did you pay, and were you pleased with the results?

Thanks

For $70 you can get Shimano A-550 47-57mm Dual-Pivot calipers from Harris Cyclery. Maybe cheaper elsewhere. They come both nutted and recessed mount. It's a heck of a lot less trouble than welding new bosses.
user name
10-14-04, 07:58 PM
Thanks for the recommendation. I still want to go through with the brake upgrade I was planning though. I have wanted these brakes since I first saw them, and since my frame doesn't have provisions for most modern brakes anyway, it seems like a good application.

Rev.Chuck
10-14-04, 08:25 PM
A good frame repair/restoration place can do it. A good local welder that does a lot of thin guage brazing work can do it. Either way you will need to repaint the area brazed.
dafydd
10-14-04, 08:30 PM
The Paul u-brakes are pretty cool, i've seen them up close, but you do realize the mounting position is unique to the brake? Cantilever braze-ons would be much more practical...
user name
10-15-04, 08:24 AM
Yes, I do realize that. The way I look at it though, is, whether it be cantis or the paul brakes, the bosses are going to have to be custom installed anyway. It shouldn't make a difference in price if they have to be welded a little higher or a little lower on the frame.
winston
10-15-04, 12:27 PM
I saw someone point to this in another discussion forum:

http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=BR9121

If you want to go the simple, less expensive route, this may be for you. Not elegant, but certainly a lot less expensive than getting bosses put on your frame.
user name
10-15-04, 09:24 PM
That adapter is pretty cool. Not a bad idea.
SSenorPedro
10-16-04, 12:02 PM
Oddly enough,

I also have an old 531 Trek that I am turning into a tourer/crosser. The tire clearance and ride of those old Treks is fabulous.

My friend, here in Portland, is in the process of putting canti-bosses on and rerouting a majority of the cabling. I think it will be something like $50-6- when he's done. Which is very reasonable. He also recently put a set of bosses on a frame for those Paul's brakes. Very classy.

He's got a website up here (http://www.ahearnecycles.com/) , check him out and give a call. Even with shipping you aren't going to be out too much money.

-Pete