thebankman

In the search for long-reach, "traditional" bolt-on (not recessed) brakes for a 27" road bike converted to 700c wheels, it seems that every manufacturer has discontinued this type of caliper. I'm trying to get a brake that works with the old bolt on style and supports 66mm reach. The Dia-Compe 750 is compatible, but discontinued, while Tektro has discontinued theirs as well.

Anyone had luck finding other options after switching to 700c wheels on an old road frame/fork?

BTW if you've got some DiaCompe 750 calipers you want to sell, let me know!

squirtdad

Check out https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ra-e.html#recessed

I am almost done with a project...went from 27 to 700 cc nutted to recessed using the above approace (drilled out the front hole, used long bolt and rear caliper on front) and front caliper on rear. I would suggest that if you are removing old boleted brakes that you save the washers/spacers that have a curve built int for fitteng with the crown and brake stay

good luck

vpiuva

Mafac Racer centerpulls off eBay will reach about anything. Old Universal centerpulls [edit:maybe not, see next post] as well. You can adapt a recessed front to fit a nutted rear application with a die, hacksaw, and file. I've done that one.

evwxxx

Not all old Universal centerpulls have a long reach. I have a pair of Universal Mod. 61's, they are actually fitted for front/rear (rear with longer reach) even tho no difference in model designation, like you have with Weinmann 999's (610/750's). The Universals will not work on my Raleigh Supercourse, for instance, not enough reach.

seaneee

I did a conversion that needed a reach somewhere in the 70's. I ended up just going with the Tektro extra long reach calipers and drilled the fork. I worked quite well, as so do the brakes. If you do go that route though, use plenty of cutting oil, a sharp/strong bit, and lots of patience. Drill with the highest speed, but apply pressure slowly.

thebankman

Drilling the fork...oh good lord I don't want to butcher this frame. Perhaps I can swap the rear brake to the front...hmmmmm upon looking at Diacompe 750 brakes on the internets, they look almost identical to the brakes on the bike now. Hmmm could my rear brake be a 750 that can be swapped to the front....will have to try when I get home from work!

nlerner

Another long reach center-pull brake is the Mafac Raid. This UK ebay seller seems to have an endless stock: https://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-MAFAC-RAID-B...QQcmdZViewItem

Also, Rivendell is still listing Dia Compe 750s: https://www.rivbike.com/webalog/brakes/15111.html

Neal

thebankman

If there was a compatible brake sitting on the rear of the bike the whole time it'll be too easy Did they typically come packaged as a small front/big rear brake set?

seaneee

I do have a set of pretty long reach GB sports. PM me if you are interested. They are circa 1950's I think. I can measure the reach when I get home.

I totally understand with the fork. Keep in mind that the one I did was on a frame I got for free and I was converting it into a modern(ish) townie style 2 sp for my wife. Really basic 1970's Japanese Concord.

thebankman

The back brake was a 750 and swapped right onto the forks with the former front brake's bolt. It took a bit of time to get it dialed in to brake with some force but it's good now. Of all the dumb luck!!
Thanks everybody!

thebankman

Here it is without the left bar end shifter removed (it is stripped), the right brake has the lever removed as it was in the way.

thebankman

ok

Little Darwin

750 and 610 arms seem interchangeable as well if you ever find a set of arms only and want to switch between long and normal reach.

Regardless of length, there are at least 2 versions of the brakes, one with the "front" arm having a projection to fit into, and slide along, a slot in the "rear" arm. There was also a version that I assume is (cheaper or older?) that doesn't have this, and seems more prone to flex.

The arches on the brakes (610/750 and slot versus no slot) seem to be the same, as I was able to construct a couple of nice pairs of brakes out of spare brake parts I bought recently. There is also apparently a minor variation where the projection can be either plain metal, or have a plastic/rubber cover.

thebankman

These Diacompe brakes seem almost identical save for the extra quarter of an inch where the brake pad is installed. For old components they work pretty well, glad they didn't have to be replaced.

Oh and did I mention BF members are the best folks around? Cheers and enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

evwxxx

To expand upon LittleDarwin's comments, you will find that most Diacompe centerpull parts are interchangeable with the Weinmanns. Makes it nice when you need to replace rusty bolts and nuts!!