Changed out tires-- no clearance with front brake.
 

My track bike is tight. I just changed out my tires with the same size 23's and they don't clear my front brake. It just barely hits. I trued the wheels really well and still I am just touching a little. I can grind down the inside of my brake (80's campy chorus) which I am thinking is the right thing to do. Tomorrow I am riding brakeless, but that isn't my favorite thing to do. Should I grind a little of the inside off, or does anyone else have an idea? Thanks.

I'd rather hit the tire with some sandpaper than modify the brake. Flip the bike over, get some mid-grit sandpaper and spin the wheel while using light pressure on the tire.

You also may be able to adjust how open the caliper sits at rest or adjust how it sits in the fork to give more clearance.

Yeah, I did open the brake up a bit and then more to the point there was almost no brake. It was better, but I am close to no brake at how open I had to have them. I never sell bike stuff, so a grinder might be the bet for me. I won't sell my campy chorus brakes from the 80's anyway. They were about the best made. I guess I could just let the tire wear, but then every time I replace them, I am going to deal with it again and again. I may ride no brake tomorrow, but I don't really enjoy it. I don't like concentrating to that level ALL the time in the city of Pittsburgh. Just a bit too much. Sure I could ride 21's in the city, but I wanted to ride this year around and that is a little wild for a 190 pound dude.

Hey what tires did you have on there (make-model)? And what make and model you have now? Any pictures would help.

My old tires were 700x23 and new ones are the same size, but conti 4 seasons. They must be a tiny bit bigger. I think I am grinding a little off the brake. I think it makes the most sense. I don't care if I am losing value. I don't sell bike stuff. I just didn't know if there was another idea? I could see if they make a conti 4 season in a 21, but I don't think they do? I could go 21 up front I guess. I don't think they make a 21 though.

Why didn't you get the same tire that was on the bike? Tire companies lie. They may say a tire is 700 x 45. But actually the width is 43mm. Each vary by company. Vittoria Zaffiro Clincher make a 700 x 20. Michelin Dynamic Classic SW 700x20.

I prefer conti's and I really like that 4 season tire. I ride the crap out of this bike and might ride it during the winter as well. I called a friend of mine that has some really nice machinist tools. He let me borrow one and I cleaned up the inside of the brake. It looks almost factory in finish. I haven't installed it yet, but tomorrow I will. Thanks for all the thoughts.

Just a quick update. I machined the brakes a bit, so the tire would spin freely. It doesn't rub when I ride, but does rub ever so slightly when I apply the brake. It is something I can live with and will probably go away when the tire wears a bit. Just figured I would give a bit of feedback incase someone searches the forum. Probably should have taken just a tiny big more off.

What part of the tire was hitting the brake? If it was the sides, a washer between the pad and the arm would have worked, if it was the centerline of the tire, you didn't really have a choice other than ovalizing the mounting hole in the fork.

Not FGFS - moving to SSFG.

You can get Conti GP4000 in 20mm

20mm tires + pittsburgh = not possible

the roads there are rough, i commend your ass on riding 23's

I commend anyone's ass living in or near Pittsburg

Or maybe that should be question their sanity :)