trayraynor

Hi,

I just picked up an aluminium frame tandem (made by the defunct Ellison Aluminium Bike Co.); its setup with Shimano XT components and has floating disc brakes front and rear.

The brakes are Pro-Stop (model # is unknown) and appear to be a mechanical/hydraulic hybrid (see the bleed valves on top). Before I dare place my bride on the stoker saddle, I plan to tear this bad-boy down and re-work it from the frame up. However, I've never attempted to adjust a disc brake, let alone service the pad and bleed them.

Can anyone offer some advice on the following:

1. How to service the caliper?
2. Where to find replacement pads?
3. What grade/brand of hydraulic fluid do I use?
4. How do I bleed the brakes?
5. Is it common to have the rotors machined, or should I run some light emory paper over them to clean?

Any advice you can offer is welcome.

Thanks, RT

swamptandem

Those brakes were made by Mountain Cycle and discontinued a while ago.

You will have to surf the net for parts and service info.

I would get rid of them if I were you. I would not trust those brakes. They never did work very well.Can your bike accept rim brakes?

trayraynor

Hi,

Yes, the frame will accept rim brakes. Do you have a suggestion on a suitable make/model of rim brake?

swamptandem

Dura ace 7900- hands down the strongest rim brake

Or, if you want to drop some serious cash, go for the EE brake.

Fairwheel did a nice brake comparison here > https://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/view...p?f=104&t=7582

TandemGeek

Let's be a little more specific...

What vintage is the frame; early to mid 90's?

Will the frame accept caliper and/or cantilever rim brakes?

If it's caliper brake compatible, what's the distance (reach) between the brake bolt holes and the rim's brake tracks (front & rear) in millimeters?

swamptandem

Good point. The tire does look a little chunky for regular road calipers.

trayraynor

P1030302.JPG

SHI0250-ONECOL.jpg


The frame will accept cantilever rim brakes (see photo) - I'll get measurements.

Meanwhile, are there any opinions about running new disc brakes, something like the Shimano LX Hydraulic Disc Brake? I found a complete kit for <$200. We plan to run this as a road bike, and I'll set it up with Continetal City Ride Urban Road Tires (26 x 1.75)

Phantoj

Road or Mtn. handlebars?

trayraynor

Mtn handlebars

trayraynor

I've got a set of Deore LX cantilever brakes, would these provide the braking strength I'll need for our tandem? Total weight of our tandem is 41 lbs, stoker is 135, captain is 180. I could use these rim brakes and toss the old discs... any suggestions?

swamptandem

You will have to check the new style disc six bolt pattern against your pro stops. Not sure they are the same. If not, you would have to change hubs as well. That would probably get into new wheels. Don't know if you want to go there. If the disc bolt patterns are the same, and you're using flat bars, you could run the hydraulic disc setup. Road bars would mean you would have to run a cable operated disc, like an Avid.

WebsterBikeMan

Yes.

Put on quality pads - either Swissstop green or KoolStop salmon, and you should be set to go. And stop. I'm running cantilever brakes, bike+team is about 20 lb lighter - but then we put 70 lb+ of gear (not counting water) on it and go touring. For serious mountain descents I'll put the Arai drum brake back on.

TandemGeek

Sure... Deore LX were the OEM spec brakes on just about every base model road and off-road tandem in the mid to late 90's, up and until V-brakes migrated over from mountain bikes. Just make sure you've got some fresh pads and that you clean and scuff the rim brake tracks (a scrunge pad with alcohol would do) to speed up the bedding in process.

Drum brakes and the like, even discs really don't become a necessity unless you're pushing 400lbs or routinely find yourself on very steep and twisty descents that demand near constant braking.