Which caliper brakes would fit this?
Which caliper brakes would fit this?
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Discussion

Roy Lime

Original Poster:

594 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
As above. I have an old cyclo-cross bike that I'd like to restore for road use but I can't get on with its cantilever brakes. I'd like to fit calipers but suspect there will be a problem with them fouling the lugs on the frame and fork.

Does anyone know what might fit?


uncinquesei

918 posts

206 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
Looks like quite a gap from the crown of fork to the wheel so I'd suggest any long reach caliper. When I converted my old BSA for commuting I changed the wheels from the original 27" (I think) to 700c. The slightly smaller diameter rim necessitated long reach calipers; initially I used an old Weinmann centre pull rear caliper because I liked the period look. I replaced that with a Tektro caliper which is much more effective.
All the above may be utter bks and completely useless though... smile

Just reread OP and I've completely missed the point about the lugs. Sorry, see above comment re uselessness paperbag

Edited by uncinquesei on Tuesday 20th January 11:35

Bobley

730 posts

178 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
Rather than calipers how about V brakes. Very powerful by comparison to cantis or calipers and dirt cheap too..

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/brakes/mtb-v-br...

... but you may need a pulley to get right pull ratio.

Roy Lime

Original Poster:

594 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
Simple answer: I prefer the neater look of caliper brakes.

Justin S

3,658 posts

290 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
Caliper brakes would be less effective than what you have, especially as you would need long drop ones. You have Shimano STX rc brakes on there and searching for some XT or XTR versions would have better bushings and less flex and more power. You can get XT long brake pads to swop for the ones you have, which may give better power and modulation too. St Johns Cycles usually have something that may fit or ebay might work. You may have issues with the studs holding the cantilever brakes fouling calipers should you try and fit them and they look ugly doing nothing too.

gazza285

11,135 posts

237 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
I'd stick with the cantilevers myself.

How far are you planning to restore the frame? If you are repainting then you can have the studs removed.

PeteB0

956 posts

275 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
I went for similarly long drop calliper on a random build last year. Braking performance is ropey at best.

I'll be changing to cantilevers soon. Workable brakes wins over aesthetics for me

Roy Lime

Original Poster:

594 posts

161 months

Tuesday 20th January 2015
quotequote all
PeteB0 said:
Workable brakes wins over aesthetics for me
That's probably a fair point. laugh

I don't do much road riding but would like it to look nice for the summer. The plan is to get the frame stripped and repainted then add a few shiny bits. I like the neat look of calipers but going on the comments on here perhaps it's best to stick with what I've got.