If you were installing a modern(ish) group on an old frame, would drill the fork and bridge for recessed allen key brakes and keep the whole group together, or just spring for some of those nutted Tektro dual pivot sidepulls to avoid modifying the frame?

Group is 9 speed Chorus and the frame is Mercian, for reference. And I realize this is a deeply philosophical question for many. I'm just interested in other opinions.

I'd probably get the nutted calipers. Its so much easier. I've done it both ways... its not particularly hard to drill out the bridge/crown...slightly harder to do a decent job, but waaaaay easier to not do it. (if you can stand to look at those Tektro calipers.)

They're not the prettiest calipers I've ever seen, but they're far from the ugliest, too.

they certainly ain't pretty. We agree on that.

I'm no Campy-phile, so this may seem noob-ish, but can one cannabilize the Tektros for bolt parts and use with the Campy brakes? You might note that I don't have a lot of brake-swapping experience...

Would it be possible to convert the brakes to nutted ? Just covering all the possibilities.

I have aver had similar issues with a few old frames as well. I kept them as is.

I did that once way back with some no-name calipers. I couldn't say for sure if they would work with the Campy ones, but it's worth investigating.

Drilling that frame is a tough call. I have drilled frames before, but they were more common production Treks and Raleighs... I'd think twice about this one, and I am honestly not sure what I would decide in the end.

Got to be something better looking then those Tectros. Anything else you have to consider ?

I would drill the back of the fork only and swap the front & back calipers. I've done it several times. To me it makes the frame more useful and doesn't hurt it, touch up the paint where you ream it. Nice frame! [MENTION=61707]squirtdad[/MENTION] says it well here.

+1 and thanks

Sarah Palin says, "Drill, Baby, Drill!"

Considering the source of that advice, you know you should do the opposite.

+1
I would use nutted brakes.

Personally, I would not modify that frame. There are some very nice center pulls available, either Dia Compe or Paul. Pricey, but that frame is worth it, imo.

I've been called a lot of things, but never Drew.

This is an interesting idea. Has anyone tried it?

Drilling will only takes moments, regret is forever. I'd find a set of nutted calipers.

There are strategies to fit recessed brakes on frames made for nutted: mount the front brake to the rear bridge and install the rear brake to the front with the nut up under the fork crown, essentially holding the brake to the front of the crown.

You have to forgive yourself. You make the best decisions you can at the time.

To reinstall nutted calipers on a drilled fork, all you need is a spacer.

This is the best option if the tektro brakes are really a problem.

Front to rear, rear solved as long as you turn around the pads. For the front, 6 mm coupling nut, you may have to cut it down to fit inside the steerer, Chinch up the now front caliper with the coupling nut, and use a metric button head cap screw threaded in from the back, a strategic washer and some loctite blue for peace of mind, presto. Use a thin rod as a depth gauge to insure the cap screw and the caliper stub do not come into contact. The result will be slightly stiffer than the typical front caliper bolt.
Check the brake caliper reach first of course.

Great info - bookmarked.

had the same dilemma on a Bob Jackson

newer campy brakes was swapped to a pair of nutted modolo speedys

Drill a vintage frame? Not a single chance in Hades!

I truly do not get the no drill sentiment... if it were a rare frame done 100% period correct, then I get it, but a frame that is going to be used and with modern components?

The drilling is one hole only, the back of the fork

The "drilling" could be done with a rat tail file.....the shavings weight when using a drill would be measured in milligrams,

This is not like cutting off a derailler hanger or cable guides

Agree with squirt - drill er'. It's a relatively benign change and won't hurt aesthetics too much.

I don't understand the Tektro hate. For modern brakes they don't look that bad and their silver finish will look appropriate on a classic frame. They'll certainly perform better than Campy sidepulls or just about any sidepulls.

How far down do they need to reach on that frame? That will probably dictate what brakes you can use as much as the attachment mount. Some highly polished centerpulls would look good and brake well.