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What brakes to get?

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Old 03-05-10, 03:43 PM
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What brakes to get?

It's probably been asked before, but I'm too lazy to search...

I've got this 1972 Triumph Roadster. I really like it for what it is, except for the brakes. They are just awful. One of them is the stock steel calipered job, and the other is a more modern Dia Compe that is alloy, but just as bad as the original. They don't really stop worth a hoot.

So I'd like to get calipers that has a vintage look & "feel", but stop pretty well. I think I'd like it to be a side pull of some sort, not a V Brake or cantilevers. I also do not want any modern dual pivot calipers.

Any suggestions?
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Old 03-05-10, 04:06 PM
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Mafac Racers
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Old 03-05-10, 05:06 PM
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Shimano 105 SLR (single pivot, first generation SLR brakes)
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Old 03-05-10, 05:25 PM
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The calipers will need to be extra-long reach, right?
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Old 03-05-10, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Torchy McFlux
The calipers will need to be extra-long reach, right?
I don't know for sure. I've had new wheels built for the old hubs. Sun CR18. The original brakes have the pads adjusted as high as they can go, and could go a smidge higher. How do I measure to see what reach I need?
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Old 03-05-10, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by frpax
I don't know for sure. I've had new wheels built for the old hubs. Sun CR18. The original brakes have the pads adjusted as high as they can go, and could go a smidge higher. How do I measure to see what reach I need?
Distance from the center of the caliper mount bolt to the center of the rim's braking surface along a line parallel to the axis of the wheel.
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Old 03-05-10, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Torchy McFlux
Distance from the center of the caliper mount bolt to the center of the rim's braking surface along a line parallel to the axis of the wheel.
... along the what? Throw me a bone, Professor. I ain't got dat much skoolin'!
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Old 03-05-10, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by frpax
... along the what? Throw me a bone, Professor. I ain't got dat much skoolin'!
Take the tire off, mount the rim and place a ruller from the brake mount on the fork or on the brake bridge to the rim. Measure from the center of the brake mount to the center of the outside part of the rim (I suspect you are not using aero rims ) and you'd be good.
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Old 03-05-10, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by frpax
... along the what? Throw me a bone, Professor. I ain't got dat much skoolin'!
https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ra-e.html#reach
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Old 03-05-10, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Torchy McFlux
Awesomeness!
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Old 03-05-10, 06:00 PM
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Without removing the tire AND fender, I'd estimate the reach to be 70mm (give or take 2mm)
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Old 03-05-10, 06:07 PM
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Originally Posted by frpax
Without removing the tire AND fender, I'd estimate the reach to be 70mm (give or take 2mm)
You could try these:
https://harriscyclery.net/product/dia...75-mm-2711.htm
They'll maintain a 70's look.

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Old 03-05-10, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Torchy McFlux
You could try these:
https://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake...ers.html#63-75
They'll maintain a 70's look.
Those center pulls are kinda cool. I'd need to get some sort of cable stop, though.... hmmmmmm
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Old 03-05-10, 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by frpax
Without removing the tire AND fender, I'd estimate the reach to be 70mm (give or take 2mm)
ouch! Not many options there. Best bet is to look around for old NOS Weinmann long reach centerpulls (Weinmann Vainqueur 999). DiaCombe is making a modern copy, but the front needs recessed mounting and so do most of the Tektro long reach side pulls (and they are dual pivot). The only sidepull that is nut mounted that has long enough reach is the Tektro R556, but the nut mounted version is a pretty penny (about $80-85) with shipping for a pair...
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Old 03-05-10, 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Torchy McFlux
You could try these:
https://harriscyclery.net/product/dia...75-mm-2711.htm
They'll maintain a 70's look.
won't work. Recessed mounted front
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Old 03-05-10, 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by EjustE
won't work. Recessed mounted front
He can always drill out the hole in the back of the crown and use an extra-long recessed nut.
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Old 03-05-10, 07:21 PM
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Have you tried different brakes shoes and cables?
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Old 03-05-10, 07:38 PM
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Universal side pulls were a step up from diacompe

and had a quickrelease feature.
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Old 03-05-10, 10:55 PM
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+1 on the Universal "Super 68" side pulls. Great performance, classic look.
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Old 03-05-10, 10:59 PM
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Weinman 710's if you have to go center pull. Universals if you go side pull.
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Old 03-05-10, 11:12 PM
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What if you don't mind a newish look? I have a schwinn that I believe is a 1980-ish, and hate the brakes.

Should I just get kool-stops or something, or get a more modern set of calipers?

Wheels are 27's, FWIW. It's an errand bike, never going to win any cosmetic prizes, and here in NYC I like something that people wouldn't want to steal. Maintaining a vintage look is not a priority for me.
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Old 03-05-10, 11:45 PM
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OK, so where do I get some Universals?
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