Brake Caliper Question
10-24-09, 07:45 AM
#1
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Brake Caliper Question
Hi. I am going to be building a Surly Pacer with my 6600 10speed group set. I want to run SKS fenders. Will I need a longer reach brake caliper to clear themthe fenders? If so what are 'better' calipers for me to think about getting? I am heavy and will be in the mountains so I want top notch braking. Thanks.
10-24-09, 08:18 AM
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The brake reach you need is determined by the frame and fork spacing, not by what you want to put under them. Long reach brakes (47-57 mm) may indeed be proper but only if the bike is designed to take them.
Shimano makes Ultegra-level double pivot calipers in long reach configuration and Tektro does also. Either will work well with the Shimanos being a bit better. The best improvement you can make is to substitute Kool Stop Salmon pads for Tektro's pads. Shimano's pads are good but the Kool Stops are better still.
Shimano makes Ultegra-level double pivot calipers in long reach configuration and Tektro does also. Either will work well with the Shimanos being a bit better. The best improvement you can make is to substitute Kool Stop Salmon pads for Tektro's pads. Shimano's pads are good but the Kool Stops are better still.
10-24-09, 09:10 AM
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The bike is designed for those calipers 47-57 is nominally correct as HillRider suggests.
Rather than get caught-up on dimensions (as some are listed larger,55-73), look at Tektro 538 in www.universalcycles.com , no longer ad. here but the places that do, have little of interest in your reguard. E-bay has brakes too. #558s are also long.
358's an error in Surly's cat. I believe. Mant brands & stores sell true LR calipers.
It'll be more difficult to obtain wrong ones than right. Old fashioned used ones maynot do, just avoid them. Later LR cals. appear down-dropping more than wide.
Concerning stopping power; better pads may help. Inherant design was never a concern for me. I've found that brakes stop better than I need 'em too, @ 368lbs to 168lbs....all within reason. ALSO.. Harris Cyclery has some, I'm sure.
Rather than get caught-up on dimensions (as some are listed larger,55-73), look at Tektro 538 in www.universalcycles.com , no longer ad. here but the places that do, have little of interest in your reguard. E-bay has brakes too. #558s are also long.
358's an error in Surly's cat. I believe. Mant brands & stores sell true LR calipers.
It'll be more difficult to obtain wrong ones than right. Old fashioned used ones maynot do, just avoid them. Later LR cals. appear down-dropping more than wide.
Concerning stopping power; better pads may help. Inherant design was never a concern for me. I've found that brakes stop better than I need 'em too, @ 368lbs to 168lbs....all within reason. ALSO.. Harris Cyclery has some, I'm sure.
