edfungus

I remember reading about the brake pads on these brakes can't be replaced by modern brake pads but I can't seem to find the thread again and just wanted to make sure. Does anyone know where to get these pads or is there a way to adapt new ones on there. Sorry that my bikes a little dirty, she's the daily commuter!





Thanks!

repechage

That is what has held me back from buying a set of those calipers. I am sure if one was handy enough a set of existing pad could be machines down to fit, say with a router and a dovetail joint bit with a fixture of course, but not a minor operation.

Bianchigirll 

Would you mind taking/posting a pic holding the pad/shoe next to the arm? Isn't that black part just a big eccentric like disc to help place the pad exactly where you want it?

repechage

There is no mystery regarding how the pads adjust, but the fastener size is atypical, smaller than everyone else. The past have half ellipse form forward to mate the matching holder, which is on the outside almost an ellipse.
The problem is the shape of the pad that inserts into the holder, it is unique.

Bianchigirll 

I am not familiar with these that's why I asked.

Grand Bois

Planned obsolescence.

JohnDThompson 

The original pads were permanently affixed to the holders and intended to be replaced as a unit. Furthermore, unlike most other brakes, the holders used a threaded socket with a separate bolt to hold the pad to the arm, rather than a threaded stud and a nut. The only other brake I know of that uses this is Modolo, and indeed the Modolo holder/pad combination does fit the AGC caliper, albeit with some stylistic clash:



If there are other holders that use an M5 threaded socket instead of a shaft, these may also work.

repechage

That is good to know, I had assumed Modolo was a bit bigger and or longer. My comment about routing a new pad came from the awareness that the Dia Compe pad/block holder was a unit. I was figuring a press fit was going to be possible, the assembly probably did not have the pad molded in place as was done later by many.

I do like the concept of the Aero Gran Compe brakes, but even back in the day they were not known to be terrific stoppers.

7/8timing

are the modolo's hard to find or are they old and hard by now? I have some that I want to change out. also these work just as good as my modern double pivot's(tektro R750), just they took longer to dial in.

repechage

Weel I am assuming you are only referring to Modolo's. They have been out of production for some time, so they will be old. Now, Modolo made a compound similar to what Campagnolo used and made a "sintered" pad which might age more gracefully. No Modolos currently in the repechage fleet, I was never a great fan of them by admission, the Professional series was decent, but I did not like the quick release and they were not as easy to center as Campagnolo's were for me. This was from a time when the patent Campagnolo held for the wrench flats on the pivot bolt was still in effect.

JohnDThompson 

They do have an advantage over the original AGC holders in that the pads are removable, and a standard replacement pad can fit with just a little surgery.

JohnDThompson 

Looking on eBay there are some Modolo brake shoes/holders available, but some appear to be the more standard threaded stud design that won't work with the AGC calipers:



These ones appear to be the ones that will work:



Neither are cheap, unfortunately.

unworthy1

^This is the best solution if you want to keep using the AGC, and you'll have a better pad with the KoolStop insert, to boot.
Thanks for the clear photos, John.

Bikedued

Thankfully I just sold the only bike I owned with those brakes, a couple of weeks ago. They are good looking for sure though.,,,,BD

edfungus

Ah, thanks everyone for the help!

And I do agree that they aren't super great stoppers so .... maybe I'll just have to upgrade my brakes haha