mnjhunt

Hi to all. First post on this very helpful site.

I'm just getting back into riding after 13 or 14 years without (long story). I have a Bridgestone RB1 that I've owned since I built it up from the frame way back then. When I started getting it back into working order, I found I needed to replace the old Dia Compe single-pivot brakes because some parts were missing, and the guy at my LBS sold me a pair of Tektro 536 (dual pivot). I'm happy with the improved stopping power of the new ones (largely since I now often pull my 16 month old kid behind me), however, I'm not so happy about the fact that it takes some effort to get the 700x25 tires past them. Especially since I'm planning to replace these tires with wider ones when they wear out. I think the frame will fit 700x32s, and if so I'll probably go that wide at least at times (ie a tour I'm planning). So I'm looking for new brakes that will work for that, and I'm having the damndest time figuring out what modern brakes, if any, will do the trick. I've googled and searched this forum with every combination of keywords I can think of, and I can't find a thing. Well, that's not quite right: I'm suspecting that some recent Shimano 105s may work, but that's about as definitive as I can get. Your expertise on anything out there that I should be able to find on ebay would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

PS I have a difficult time believing that no one else has asked this question, but I can't find any threads that address it. If they're there and I missed them, my apologies.

The Smokester

Would the Shimano R650 47-57mm long reach brakes work? I use these on my long distance bike with Conti 700 x 28 c tires. Probably they would go to 32mm.

nun

Go to the brakes etc section on www.rivbike.com and you'll find lots of brake options for wide tyres.

mnjhunt

Thanks for the replies! I already checked out rivbike but they only stock long reach calipers. It looks like the Shimano R650s would be a decent option, however, I posted this same message in the Road section and on a Rivendell google group, and people on both of those assure me that Tektro R538 is the answer to my query. So I believe I'll be giving those a try. Unless others reply with definitive answers about other brakes that will work.

Thanks again!

ScituateJohn

Yes, the long reach won't work, but they do stock some medium reach brakes. I don't know if the medium reach brakes will fit your bike or not, but I bet someone over at rivbike.com does. I suggest sending them an email.

If your bike doesn't accept medium reach brakes, then you are stuck using skinny tires.

Also, there is a site called iBOB that might be able to provide you with information.