Hello all,

Been reading this forum, but recently joined and this is my first post. I was never a believer in the nuisances of the different types of steel (I always thought steel was steel), but I found and built up a 1987 Trek 400 converted to 650b. It is lugged and made from 531 Reynolds. The bike has a nice springy and responsive feel to it. It is currently set up as a around town and some long distance, but want it to be a dedicated randonneur.



I am really enjoying this ride, but my main concern is the braking is not that great. I have the Tektro 559 with the pads all the way at the bottom, so I am either thinking the leverage is lessened by the long reach arms or I need to get salmon pads.

My other option was to braze on cantilever bosses, which would also allow me to put up a mini front randonneur rack. If I went this route, I would probably also repaint the bike a cream white, as inspired by one of Ezra's rando bikes



Any thoughts, opinions, or insights would be appreciated!

Thanks