I recently purchased a Tektro R530 on Craigslist because I got a warning last night for riding brakeless.
I have a Mercier Kilo TT 50cm frame. It's pretty tight but it fits me pretty well after I got it fitted and swapped some parts.
I'm REALLY concerned that the brake is a little TOO close to the tires... Because of the tight geometry, the tires are already pretty close to the fork. The pads line up with machined surface and they work on the tires, but I'm concerned that the brake is a a little close to the tires. I rode it and it works fine, but I'm still scared just knowing this is there...
*Tire is already pretty close to the fork...

*You can still see there's still some space.

*But dangling rubber stills brushes it... Does nothing but makes that spot dusty (see the white spot?)


My dad says it's a bad idea and said what if it starts rubbing against the tire while you're riding? It's seated quite well into the frame and it does work (at least it did when I last rode). I saw another Mercier with a brake with this similar situation. What do you guys think?

it's hard to to tell with the caliper released.

if it clears and doesnt rub its fine man. whats the worst thats going to happen if it does start rubbing? you are gonna slow down and have to re-adjust something. what size tires are on there? looks like the stock kendas? in any case im running 28 rando's and the clearance is tighter bit a smidge. i've never had any problems with my tire rubbing.

Hahaha yea those are the stock Kendas 700x23 I think. I'm trying to save up for my upcoming semester so I can't afford to get a ticket, buy a brake that doesn't even work with the bike, or get new tires at this time.
You think smaller wheels would be a good idea? I ABSOLUTELY plan on get new ones once Spring/Summer comes around.
Otherwise for now I plan to just stick with these wheels for a 6 mile commute. The way I see it is that the clearance shouldn't get any bigger or smaller, right? It wouldn't make any sense, just being really paranoid (or at least my dad pushed this skepticism in my head).

There is nothing wrong with tight clearances. If it doesn't rub your good.

I don't understand what the problem is. It looks OK to me. But you might want to show images with the caliper in position.

How would it start rubbing? it's fine

just comb out any excess dirt/gunk that builds up under the fork and caliper every once in a while and you're good. That's the only thing that's gonna rub...

If it suddenly starts rubbing, then you have problem with your frame/fork.
Otherwise, it seems like it would be fine if doesn't actually come into contact.
If you're personally just uncomfortable with it, you could just buy another brake with a higher reach, but I really don't see the reason to.

Looks better than mine does.

The Tektro R720 on my Kilo has about the same clearance. I've never worried about it at all.

That actually rides? Oh man hahaha.

I was going to get the R720 at City Grounds but I got my brake for 10 bucks on Craigslist compared to 30 so
Alright cool thanks dude. My dad is just always putting paranoid thoughts in my head that I never worry about in the first place..