Upgrading from Single Pivots?
 

Heyo. A while back I got myself an old 70's 3 speed. I like it, but it's a project bike that hasn't been finished so I don't ride it much.

The biggest problem right now is a lack of brakes. Or rather, the original brakes were kind of old so they had to go. I managed to get the rear ones installed and they worked a while, though they're now slipping and rotating on the pull. This is a common problem I've read, so I think I can drum up a solution, but it's got something else I'm concerned about as well - lever never feels "solid" on the pull, just kind of "spongey". They stop, but I'm lacking in confidence.

They're these kind:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=364253

More like the 810, off memory. I actually have two new pairs - one's got flat, "stamped" arms and the other is more 3D, possibly cast...little skeptical on that.

The front brakes are worse off. They "hitch" when you first apply them - the levers flex or something similar. These are the old brakes though, so I haven't worried too much. I went to install the new front ones but the bolts aren't long enough to reach through. I got myself a "problem solvers" nut, but I will need to bore out the hole in the crown for it to fit. Need to get an appropriate metal-drilling bit and hope my electric drill can handle it.

It dawned on me that, since I'm already going to be doing a semi-major modification, why not just dispose of this kind of brake completely? I'm planning on mounting fenders to it, so I'm wondering what options I have.

The rims might need replacement sometime - they're actually welded shut, and the weld shows (I think that's causing the brakes to hitch). Is there some kind of hub brake that doesn't require a special fork? Can I get that on a 1 3/8 26" rim easily enough?

Dual pivots perhaps?

I'm also considering just getting a new rear hub with a coaster brake but I'd need front brakes anyways.

This is mostly just a "Learn to do things" kind of bike - the cost is tuition though , though if I can make something out of it

Old 3 speed probably has steel rims, and steel rims are bad for stopping. The link to your new brakes doesn't work, so it is hard to say if you have anything decent to replace the original.

Whatever you do will cost money, and probably more than it is worth.

A set of pictures of your bike would help.

+1 Steel rims will always be bad for braking. They're also extremely heavy and prone to denting. Pictures of the whole bike would help us a lot, and the link to the brakes didn't work.

Probably.

Good point on steel rims. Guess that's why they were the first part of the bike to go alu!

Here's the picture I tried to post: http://www.yellowjersey.org/SINGLEPV.JPG

So rims would be a better investment, then? Not that it is much of an investment, mind. Not much techy stuff to be gained that way either :/

M.

i ride SS with front brake only. on one of my newer frames (CF) is a brake like that 810. it's a dia-comp GS. mid-level grade, mid 80's vintage, single pivot brake. i've been using it now for 4 or 5 years. it works fine. not the prettiest. i don't plan on replacing it in my lifetime. i'd look elsewhere for braking problems. srsly. good luck.

good advice about steel rims vs. alloy. i hadn't thought of that...

BTW, i'm not clear whether the OP had steel rims and already replaced them with alloy or not. :50: it may very well be my reading comprehension. i think it might be suffering as of late. :lol:

Tektro makes an inexpensive, long-reach dual-pivot caliper that would also work for you.

As John said Tektro makes a very long dual pivot caliper called a model 800. I have been getting them by mail order from a shop called Modern Bike in Des Moine Iowa. They are very inexpensive but work well and have long bolts so they are easy to install. They were under $30 a set of front and rear. Roger

Center pulls are another high MA brake caliper , but like cantilever brakes the cable pulls up
from the suspended cable housing ..

Yes. Steel rims will always deliver poor braking. 26 x 1 3/8 can mean either 590mm or 597mm rims. Finding replacement rims in that size may be tricky, though. Sun CR-18 (a good rim) comes in 590mm. There are some tires available in that size.

Consider putting 584mm rims on this bike. They're marketed as 650b or 27.5. Lots of good tires available in that size, and cheap wheels if you look for deals. Just make sure to get ones for rim brakes; the 27.5 ones are sometimes meant for disc brake MTBs.

Once you decide on the rim size, measure the brake reach and buy appropriate brakes, or use the ones you have if they reach. Old side-pulls work OK on modern rims, with modern pads, and modern brake levers (more pull).

I have a 70s Schwinn 3-speed that I've managed to give mediocre braking on the steel rims by using fresh pads and really adjusting the toe-in. But mediocre is as good as it gets, and the brakes still squeal occasionally (better than continually!).

And Kool stop continental pads.

I bought a set of Weinman long reach single pivot alloy brakes off eBay for my cheap 3 speed. Made a difference right out of the box. $10 with shipping. A set of Kool Stop pads would be a further improvement. Swapping out the steel rims for alloy is where it becomes cost prohibitive.