Nutted calipers, looking for ideas.
 

The early '80s Klein build requires nutted brakes. Tektro double pivots are out. Looking for guidance in selecting something semi period correct.

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Believe early 6207’s were available nutted, as were the first couple generations of Dura Ace. Campagnolo, of course, and Galli both made some nice nutted caliper brakes.
Bunch of Dia Compe’s, too.

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...when it is working well, I use VeloBase to figure out what is "period correct". Although the component dating is sometimes an estimate, it's good enough for me.

BTW, if you take off the screened lettering on those Tektro dual pivots with acetone, they are pretty anonymous looking. I have done that on a couple of bikes, in pursuit of function over form.

Look for a set of Shimano 600 BR-6200 or Golden Arrow BR-S105. Both came with nutted options.

EDIT: There's an eBay store selling NOS Dia-Compe nutted brakes for $20 a pair.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Dia-...53.m1438.l2649

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...03ea388319.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4162a5b5d9.jpg
Dia Compe Nutted Caliper Brakes

If you don't mind me asking, why are Tektro dual-pivots out of the running? I put a pair on my vintage Fuji and they're very good. Just curious.

They're out because they're not period correct. They didn't have dual pivots in the 80's.

You need not limit yourself to nutted calipers. Should you find a nice period correct pair with recessed bolts, they can be used as well, no drilling required.

The front caliper goes on the rear, where it is mounted with a normal nut, ring and spacers. The rear caliper goes on the fork, using a 'coupling nut' and is tightened with a bolt. Like this:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2c47697fd5.jpg
(picture respectfully lifted from m-gineering.nl, where you'll find the instructions - use Google translate if you don't read Dutch)

Used this a couple of weeks ago on my Bovid Blues Beater, and was quite pleased with the results.

EDIT: it seems the forum software doesn't accept links to http sites. Remove the "s" manually from the url for the m-gineering website and it will work.

Yeah, I've done that in the past but don't have a suitable pair of calipers on hand. If I have to source from outside my boneyard might as well do it right.

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[MENTION=173992]non-fixie[/MENTION] - thanks for 'coupling nut'. Why am I the guy who never knows about good alternative solutions?

Thankfully, I didn't needlessly drill forks..


Question for anyone =
Where can I buy a coupling nut for my spares inventory? Maybe 2.

+1 Two more ideas: 1. the Gran Compe "campy clone" of the era work well, even if their quick release cam doesn't work as cleverly as the campy. 2. the DiaCompe SC self centering sidepulls - these work well despite using cheap cable stop hardware, and seem to have much stiffer/stronger arms than most other DC sidepulls of the era.

I am surprised Suntour Superbe/Pro is not mentioned. The Pro's are excellent brakes with the right pads and levers. I have a set on the Trek760 and they stop as well as most of the DP calipers I have.

Love this forum!!!

I know nothing about dual pivot brakes, but might you be able to use a center bolt from some nutted brakes?