Originally Posted by
jPrichard10
What frame is this going on? Not sure what brake booster you're talking about, but Raids are more than sufficient on the conversions I've done, and I really can't abide the look of the large-mouthed Tektros.
A 1986 Trek 520. I believe there's a mix of home-made and factory-made ones kicking around. Here's a link to one that was for sale a while ago:
Center Pull Brake Boosters
They work much the same as canti brake boosters. Good to hear that the raids have worked well for your conversions.
Originally Posted by
PhilFo
Another centerpull option would be DiaCompes with the pads switched out and replaced with V-brake pads. You can get a real fine tuned toe-in that way and inherently less squeal than Mafacs. I've used this setup on my Miyata 610 for over a decade and it's great. Enough stopping power for light touring.
Phil
I like Diacompe stuff, but I really like the idea of being able to fine-tune the mechanical advantage of Mafacs. Last time I tried out some DC 750 brakes it didn't go so well.
Originally Posted by
rando_couche
I've been using MAFAC Raids on my 650b conversions for quite some time and am very happy with their performance. With cheap Taiwanese aero levers, they were not so great, but with Shimano 105 and Ultegra brifters, they're rock solid, powerful and have great modulation. Just lose the black rubber MAFAC pads, and get Kool Stops. Do you know where to get boosters for RAID calipers? Their pivot spacing is way wider than Racers.
SP
Newport OR
Regarding the spacing being different between raids and racers...dang. Forgot about that. Maybe I'll need to get the boosters made custom rather than hunting around for an old set.
Originally Posted by
nlerner
I am currently running the Tektros and the RAIDs on different 650b conversions. I found the MAFACs a bit fiddly to set up in comparison, but they work really well with MAFAC non-aero levers. The Tektros are pretty much set it and forget it, compatible with a wide range of levers. FWIW, I’ve always liked the ease and performance of Weinmann/DiaCompe 750 centerpulls for this application. Usually far cheaper and more available than the MAFACs.
Hm, maybe I really need to take a second look at setting up DC 750 brakes properly. I had no issues getting 610 brakes to work great, but I found 750 brakes to be a bit underpowered. You pair them with non-aero levers? I was planning on using the more modern TRP RRL levers with the modern ergonomics.
Originally Posted by
gugie
No fenders? Tektro 559s are a great value.
Fenders? RAID pivots allow fenders for wide tires.
Best braking (w/o disc brakes)? V-brakes, but you meed canti posts on your frame.
I’ve found RAIDs with brazed on posts to combine good braking force and best modulation.
Hmmmm, that may be the decider, the whole point of the bike is to be the year-round all-road bike with fenders. Luckily the paint on the 520 is in great shape, but unfortunately that means I probably won't ever take a torch to the frame to do upgrades like brazing on centerpull or canti posts.