Originally Posted by
DACriss
Would I have done better to post this in the Vintage/Classis section? I was thinking that it might be more of a tech question though?
Well, give it more than 4 minutes for a reply for a start.
Converting to discs would not be adviseable due to the cost involved. A nice set of dual pivot road brakes would be a very nice upgrade, and far cheaper. It also will not alter the charachter of the bike that much.
I'd go for something in the mid range of Shimano brakes like Tiagra or 105, or for the best value, Tektro R series.
Just be sure to measure the required reach, ( the distance from the pivot bolt to the middle of the braking surface on the rim) and get the brakes with the right reach.
Because modern dual pivot brakes mount with a recessed nut, you will have to drill out the rear mounting holes in both the fork and the rear brake bridge to 5/16". The fork is no problem, but you cannot fit a standard drill in behind the brake bridge. I use a pneumatic angle drill with a step bit for this.
Here is an example on one of my own bikes.
http://cid-c5aa741102f41823.skydrive...bike%20010.jpg
http://cid-c5aa741102f41823.skydrive...bike%20009.jpg