BRed

Hey everyone, I recently bought a Raleigh Super Course, and I was wondering what everybody's take is on upgrading the brakes to either a new set of tektro brakes or some shimano 600s. I kind of want improved braking over my centerpulls, but am wondering if its a sin to drill out the holes to make room for dual pivots?

I am planning to make this bike my everyday commuter/ light touring bike...

Any feedback would be appreciated,
Thanks.

Bianchigirll 

lee kenney

go to good pads add a bridge brake booster ,funky long reach and a place for lites etc

Chris_in_Miami

I installed a set of modern Tektro brakes on my Voyageur with a little bit of effort. I replaced the center bolt on the rear unit with one from a front brake and used the original washers and nut so I didn't need to drill the rear bridge. You might be able to find a set of nutted 600 brakes if you're willing to use an older non-dual-pivot set.

LeicaLad 

The Tektro R559 come in a nutted version. I've done two older bikes with them. Personally, I really appreciate the superior stopping power of the modern calipers (and Kool-Stop pads)!

Lenton58 

I put a new set of Ultegra on my Trek 560. It was my first build and I was going to be on a lot of hills and around traffic. Stops like gangbusters and they are just one step down from Dura Ace but a fat wallet cheaper. I don't think they are in too great a character for a vintage bike though. Not bad, but not great. For a vintage frame, the highly polished variety of Dia-Compe BR 101's look much more compatible. I'm using them on my 531 Simplon and they have worked out very well indeed. Not only that, but they are not to heavy and the price is very attractive.

If I had a really significant vintage, heritage bike, I'd be really tempted to put the best brakes that were contemporaries with the frame. But since I own nothing that belongs in a museum, modern brakes make sense to me. I recently acquired an NOS pair of Cyclones that will go on my Vitus. The original Sugino 75 front was wrecked in a racing crash years ago by the original owner. I stuck a Tiagra on there until I forked up a solution. The Cyclones look a lot like the Sugino pattern, and the Vitus does deserve the "look" of something more vintage.

Just my two bits: unless you have a vintage icon that will be painted and badged and factory fresh, I'd go with new brakes and aero style levers, even if you have to do a bit of drilling or filing. Just for heavens sake take your time.

Sigurdd50

I'm' interested in safety and function, so I have no problem with modern brakes on old bikes. Of course, two of them are 650B conversions, so I used Tektros (but did use some retro city levers from VO)

jim hughes

You only need to drill out the 'rear' hole that accepts the larger diameter Allen nut. It works fine, and if someone ever wants to restore the original brakes they can use a sleeve and it won't be visible. Get a drill bit suitable for steel, and if at all possible, clamp the fork under a drill press for a clean right angle.

The improved performance and adjustablity of a new set of dual pivot brakes will be much appreciated.

John E

Before doing anything more drastic, try a set of salmon KoolStop pads. The next step is to substitute aero brake handles, for a 10% boost in leverage / braking force. If these two modifications do not solve your braking problem, then it is time for new calipers, but bear in mind that your brake leverage is always limited by your frame's brake reach, which changing from 27" to 700C tires makes even longer (worse). Using as short a straddle cable as possible will maximize the performance of your vintage centerpull calipers. Anything you do to increase braking force will necessarily increase handle travel accordingly, so you will probably need low-compression cable housings, stiff cable stop mountings, and very true rims, to allow you to set up your pads for very short travel from full release to full force.

BRed

Sweet thanks for all of the advice the dia comp brakes look like they will work well. I also like the price point a bit more than the tektros. The brake pads are new, but not kool stop and I did switch to aero levers. Both helped, but I would still like to increase my stopping power. Also, does anyone know if the brakes will be any lighter than the old centerpulls on the bike currently.

cudak888 

Why is everyone drilling frames when Tektro's latest R559 - and the one model immidiately shorter than it (model number escapes me) - when both are now available as fully nutted brakesets?

-Kurt

sillygolem

What about thimble forks where you have a short distance between the mounting hole and the rim? I've been on the lookout for something a bit more effective than my 3 speed's stock brakes, but the used stuff I've come across seems to mount the pads at least a 1/2" too low.