Bicycle Mechanics - Converting old side pull brakes to quick release

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cth6
02-04-12, 08:01 PM
My daughter has a old huffy mountain bike with a fixed front axle. She is still growing like a weed and we need to keep this bike for another year or so before we get her a new one. All of the other bikes in the family are transported via fork clamps on a trailer and need to convert to quick release on the front wheel.

Problem 1 solved >I have an old QR front hub that I am going to swap out the fixed hub.

Problem 2 still need help > I am short on ideas on how to convert the stock side pulls to quick release. Releasing the cable from the bottom nut every time is not the right solution for me. I am thinking about cutting a grove lengthwise in the top adjuster to allow me to pull the cable free when the pressure is released by manually squeezing the brakes.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

dsbrantjr
02-04-12, 08:58 PM
cth6: I did a quick search and came up with this: http://www.amazon.com/Arai-release-Anchor-Disconnected-Without/dp/B001PT7TWC
I've never tried it but it looks plausible that it could work.

There's also this one: http://www.porkchopbmx.com/Dia-Compe-replacement-quick-release-for-front-brake-1008304.htm
but it has this note: "This quick release includes a rivet to attach it to the brake caliper. A hydraulic press or similar high-force device must be used to attach this to your brake." Caveat emptor.

Or replace the caliper or lever with a quick release version. Dia-Compe and Tektro make them.
fietsbob
02-05-12, 12:45 AM
Pack a tire pump in the car,[ you should own a floor pump, already.. ].
1, let the air out of the tire to remove the wheel,
2) re inflate it once back in the fork again.

cth6
02-05-12, 11:38 AM
Thanks guys. I just used the dremel cutoff wheel and cut a grove in the side of the adjuster and the mounting point. Now if I squeeze the pads together I can pull the cable free. I put the grove on the outboard side so that any stress is 180 degrees from the cable strain. So far so good. Will see in a few weeks.
JohnDThompson
02-06-12, 02:28 PM
Problem 2 still need help > I am short on ideas on how to convert the stock side pulls to quick release. Releasing the cable from the bottom nut every time is not the right solution for me. I am thinking about cutting a grove lengthwise in the top adjuster to allow me to pull the cable free when the pressure is released by manually squeezing the brakes.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

What kind of levers are you using? Some brake levers have a QR built into the lever.

Another option is simply removing one brake pad to allow the wheel to drop out. Just don't forget to put it back on after you re-install the wheel.