Identify a side-pull brake caliper
10-12-12 | 11:25 AM
#1
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Identify a side-pull brake caliper
Hi, I have checked the Park Tool website about servicing side-pull brakes but I cannot find one I have. See the attached pic.
Most of the time, the side-pull brakes do not work as well as dual pivot or V-brakes but this particular one I have is excellent. The mounting bolt does not go through the two brake arms and it only serves as an attaching bolt to the front fork. You center it almost the same way as centering dual pivot brakes.
It came in a Free Spirit with a Shimano 3-speed/coast brake so it is the front brake.
What is this type called? I would like to get more of these to replace other (bad) side-pull brakes I have on various old bikes.
Thanks.
Most of the time, the side-pull brakes do not work as well as dual pivot or V-brakes but this particular one I have is excellent. The mounting bolt does not go through the two brake arms and it only serves as an attaching bolt to the front fork. You center it almost the same way as centering dual pivot brakes.
It came in a Free Spirit with a Shimano 3-speed/coast brake so it is the front brake.
What is this type called? I would like to get more of these to replace other (bad) side-pull brakes I have on various old bikes.
Thanks.
10-12-12 | 11:31 AM
#2
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Altenburger Synchron: This link has a excellent history and description https://www.flickr.com/photos/berangberang/6773898930/
10-12-12 | 11:33 AM
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Altenburger Synchron; has a excellent description https://www.flickr.com/photos/berangberang/6773898930/
No wonder how well it works, it is considered a dual pivot brake.
10-12-12 | 11:36 AM
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It a early version of today side pull . the pivot point is the bolt you see on the left side . you can take the brake apart at that point or you can drop some oil onto it . the only way to find any is to go to a bike shop that been around from 60's or 70's and ask to look in their use parts boxes .
10-12-12 | 11:38 AM
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Thank you all. I will try to find some. It seems to be the reasonable upgrade to the single pivot side-pulls. No need to drill and the mounting bolt is long enough for the fork.
There are a couple listing on the Bay but the sellers are asking more than reasonable quality modern dual-pivots.
There are a couple listing on the Bay but the sellers are asking more than reasonable quality modern dual-pivots.
Last edited by loubapache; 10-12-12 at 11:43 AM.
10-12-12 | 11:59 AM
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Thanks,
10-12-12 | 01:43 PM
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Last edited by fietsbob; 10-12-12 at 01:52 PM.
10-12-12 | 04:26 PM
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This brake, the Altenberger, is just one example I kept in mt drawer of doom at my old shop. then when some young whippersnapper would come in talking like he (never was a female) knew it all I'd pull the Altenberger out of the drawer and put him in the place. So many people think Shimano actually came up first with their designs... The other brake I'd show was the Dura Ace center pull with the QR on the stradle link.
The main problems with the Altenberger were the flexibility, the low friction pads (changing them to Weinemann helped a lot) and the tendency for the caliper arms to crack and brake if you tried to toe the pads too much. Andy.
The main problems with the Altenberger were the flexibility, the low friction pads (changing them to Weinemann helped a lot) and the tendency for the caliper arms to crack and brake if you tried to toe the pads too much. Andy.
10-12-12 | 04:38 PM
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That's certainly an interesting design, I wonder why it never went mainstream at the time...
10-12-12 | 04:44 PM
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any model that says standard nut should be fine. as long as the reach is sufficient. ebay is a good source for these too
10-12-12 | 05:55 PM
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Altenburger Synchron: This link has a excellent history and description https://www.flickr.com/photos/berangberang/6773898930/
Although the Synchron was widely used during the 70s, it remained the only popular dual pivot sidepull. Then some decades later, after the Synchron had become long forgotten, Shimano introduced a dual pivot sidepull which incorporated elements of design from the Synchron and Symetric.
He later licensed the design to Altenburger, as in the OP's example and Weinmann:
It wasn't until Burgess' patent on the design lapsed that Shimano started producing dual pivot brakes.
10-12-12 | 07:50 PM
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Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
"It wasn't until Burgess' patent on the design lapsed that Shimano started producing dual pivot brakes." JohnDthompson
Like I said... Andy.
Like I said... Andy.
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