Sixty-fiver, Could you recommend some actual models, both brakes and Kool Stops. I could not read what you used in the photo. It looks like you used the original brake in the back with Kool Stops. What model Kool Stops?
I purchased some of the slip in type of Kool Stops KS-CRSA
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT They actually pulled out which really dangerous. They seemed like they fit but were too long but that should not matter.
I wanted to make sure that I was going to keep the bike before I committed to replacing the spokes, rims tires and seat. I did get a longer post. I am 5'-9" and I feel like bike barely fits. So far I have purchased the Kool Stops (wrong style I guess) and a 350mm post.
I don't care about weight that much. I live a flat world. I just need to be able to fold it small enough to fit in the trunk. I like frames response and the overall quality. I don't like that it is slightly small, that Raleigh used 26 tpi, cottered cranks, and a non standard 15/16" stem to handlebar connection. For this last item if it were the standard 1" I could put on slightly taller handlebars.
I need get better brakes first. Seat and tires second. If that works out I will bite bullet and do the spokes and rims.
Thanks
Originally Posted by
Sixty Fiver
The best upgrade you can do to a Twenty is to upgrade the wheels to alloy and get rid of the anemic brakes... the steel brakes are much better than the alloy ones and can work well with better pads (Kool Stops).
There are a number of long reach BMX brakes that are far better or one can use a drop bolt so that shorter reach brakes can be used.
You can buy a decent alloy front wheel off the shelf although a modern axle is wider and some modifications to the axle or dropouts will be needed and the rear wheel will need to be rebuilt with a better alloy rim.
Just running an alloy wheel on the front makes a world of difference and greatly improves the stopping power.