Trying to set up a roller cam on the rear but the springs look like they should be straight, not curving inward:



Theoretically, this could cause mud buildup around the tire, affecting braking in sloppy conditions (Not that I ride muddy trails any more). Just looks like the springs should more closely follow the profile of the arms, but if I flip the springs over in the perches then the spring return action works to push the pads into the rims... power assist brakes!

Also, should there be some sort of washer to help retain the springs in the spring perch? This view is as if you were looking at the brake from the frame side of the bike:

Any thoughts/advice?

Those look a little more curved than mine. But mine are curved. Mine do not have washers. Hard to see in this picture and perspective makes it look like no clearance but I have plenty. Maybe they are different models? Mine are Have aluminum Rollers.

Thank you so much Bianchi, that’s very helpful! This brake came off an old Diamond Back Apex, probably 86 ish, but it sat in a box for decades. I was afraid I’d lost some pieces. Looks like your brake uses standard post mount brake pads; my pads use a threaded shaft. Originally mine had alloy pulleys, but I used them for something somewhere along the line. Fortunately I have access to an accommodating machinist; hence the brass pulleys it now sports. I think I would like to replace the pad mounting apparatus with a non threaded post style... finding brake pads would be so much easier!

The Kool Stops' smooth posts fit mine with no problem, no modification. I had the threaded posts originally as well. Give it a shot with test pad before investing in the pads you really want just to be sure yours will accept them like mine did. I love these brakes!

Funny that never occurred to me to try! I’ll give it a go. I like Origin8 MTB black and red, I forget what they’re called...

Also, could you measure the mounting post spacing center to center? I’m curious if mine are wide or narrow. I’m thinking wide...

Did a quick measurement with the tire on while heading out to work this morning. Looks like about 87mm. Does that sound about right?

Yes. Mine measure at 3.5” or 89mm so I guess they’re correct. Thanks so much for your help!

Wow, never seen these before. Pretty cool!

These are the 1987 XC Sport versions of the roller cams- they have the infinitely adjustable spring tension setup.


1987 Schwinn High Sierra by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr

And two different roller positions, but Bianchi’s and mine are also infinitely adjustable springs...