I have a fork for a recess mounted brake, and my frame is quite a bit older so is designed for the old style long bolt and nut.

I don't want to drill the frame.

Changing forks not an option.

Would my best option be to get two front recessed brakes, as the bolt is longer so will fit the frame with a nut, or can (and should?) I use the traditional type on the newer forks? I need side pull, would either bodge be better with dual or single pivot?

Would appreciate any advice at all.

Thanks.

You have a bunch of options. The first is to buy 2 front brakes, since many sellers offer calipers individually. There's no assurance that a front brake will fit your unrecessed rear but the odds favor you.

Or if you can find calipers you like with long bolts, buy 2 rears and use on in front.

Or buy a matched set front and rear with long bolts, it might have enough thread in front to saw off some and use the shortest recessed nut you can find. Or if you must use the longer bolt with a nut, buy a recessed nut, drill it out and use it as a centering and support washer for the regular nut in back.

that simple? thought there might me an issue with the size of the rear hole on the forks.

A simple washer of sufficient size can cover the larger recessed nut hole and allow a traditional long center bolt with common nut to secure the brake. However this can also loosen more easily allowing the caliper to move about. I have seen said washer custom made to have a neck which fit within the larger hole to help locate the center bolt. Looked to have been made on a lathe by the rider. Of course there a number of other aspects must be correct for the caliper to fit well and do it's job. Andy.

There is. But buying 2 rear long bolt brakes means that the bolt will be short enough to use with a recessed nut in front. Or if you look at the option for using a long bold and nt, I suggested using a drilled out recessed nut as an adapter for the rear hole.

So, it's ALMOST that simple, just not quite that simple.

I've done exactly that to allow the use of nutted brakes on a newer recessed mount frame and fork. Get short recessed nuts and drill out the threads with a 15/64" (6 mm) drill bit. It then acts as an exact bushing for the recessed opening and firmly locates the brake bolt.

Never is, is it?

Appreciate the advice. think i'll stick with two front recessed. Sounds like marginally less hassle. Good to know i have options.