Brake upgrade?
12-03-16, 07:19 AM
#51
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Here we go again, using a term like "stopping power" when we really mean the ratio between squeezing force on the lever to braking torque on the rim.
Ultimate stopping capability first of all depends on the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road, and secondly the ability of the rider to generate enough braking force to reach the maximum friction, which is typically when the tire just begins to slip. Any decent brake system from any vintage at least as far back as the 70s can generate enough braking torque on the front rim by someone of average strength to endo the bike on dry pavement, and enough on the rear to skid the tire, assuming the cables, pads, and general setup are up to par.
There are many advantages to a low ratio between the squeezing force on the lever to braking torque on the rim, that I am not contesting, but that does not mean it makes the bike's ultimate stopping capability any better.
Ultimate stopping capability first of all depends on the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road, and secondly the ability of the rider to generate enough braking force to reach the maximum friction, which is typically when the tire just begins to slip. Any decent brake system from any vintage at least as far back as the 70s can generate enough braking torque on the front rim by someone of average strength to endo the bike on dry pavement, and enough on the rear to skid the tire, assuming the cables, pads, and general setup are up to par.
There are many advantages to a low ratio between the squeezing force on the lever to braking torque on the rim, that I am not contesting, but that does not mean it makes the bike's ultimate stopping capability any better.
12-03-16, 12:01 PM
#54
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I ended up getting a set of new-in-box Tektro R539 for a decent price.. Those have a length of 47-57mm. That'll put me near the top of the adjustment slot, and still give me room if I should ever change this bike over to 700c. Now we'll have to see if I can mount them on the Uni since the front fork uses a recessed-mount, but the rear brake bridge takes a nutted mount.
As Rosanne Rosanna-Danna used to say, "It's aaaalllways something!"
As Rosanne Rosanna-Danna used to say, "It's aaaalllways something!"
12-03-16, 10:26 PM
#56
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Put the front brake on the rear. It should be long enough to reach through the brake bridge so you can use a nut to secure it. Put the rear brake, with the shorter post, on the front, but buy an extra-long recessed nut to reach it.
12-04-16, 11:32 AM
#57
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Not sure how to do that. 
Measure from the center of the brake bolt hole to the brake track on the wheel?
Brakes are something that I've never tried changing before. My old Fuji still has the same centerpulls it left the factory with some 40+ years ago. With the Miyata, I just bought the used brakes and didn't give it any thought. Fortunately, those fit fine.
Measure from the center of the brake bolt hole to the brake track on the wheel?
Brakes are something that I've never tried changing before. My old Fuji still has the same centerpulls it left the factory with some 40+ years ago. With the Miyata, I just bought the used brakes and didn't give it any thought. Fortunately, those fit fine.
12-09-16, 07:38 PM
#58
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My particular bike/wheel combo measured out to 49-50mm. I < might > be able to use short reach (40-50mm) calipers, but they'd be right at the end of their adjustment limit. Better to get 'standard' reach (now sometimes referred to 'long') which is 47-57 in case I was ever to want to swap to 700c wheels. 650B would require extra-long reach 55-75mm.
I was able to buy a set to Tektro R539s for under $40/pr, shipped. So may 'problem' is solved
, but for others that may be in the same situation, other than the Tektro 539, are there any other mid-reach dual-pivot calipers out there that any of you out there would recommend?
12-09-16, 07:43 PM
#59
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Yes, I went from Tektro 539 to these Gran Cru sidepulls and they are better, but you pay, and they might not compliment an older bike.
Grand Cru Long Reach Brakeset - Brakes & Parts - Components
Grand Cru Long Reach Brakeset - Brakes & Parts - Components
12-12-16, 10:13 PM
#60
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$170 for a pair of calipers???? 
That's $50 more than I spent for the whole bike!!!
That's $50 more than I spent for the whole bike!!!
12-12-16, 11:57 PM
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Tektro R737's have similar reach to the R539's. Miche Competition brakes are rebadged R737's and can be found for around $30 from UK sites. I have a set of those Miche brakes on one of my bikes and they work well.
