Yet Another Cycling Forum

Random Musings => DIY => Skip Bike and Bodge It => Topic started by: zzpza on 28 May, 2009, 09:36:46 pm

Title: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: zzpza on 28 May, 2009, 09:36:46 pm

I have an old (not that old really - early 1980's) Raleigh Sensor. The frame is made of Hi-Ten steel. The problem is that I'm used to modern brakes now, so found the single pivot Weinmann Alesa brakes not quite up to scratch. So, armed with a power tool, some HSS drill bits and a set of Tektro dual pivots, I set to work.

Starting point

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3563975232_2021d427b4.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3563160347_d7bd046962.jpg)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3563976998_f364b98242.jpg)

N.B. You only need to drill out the rear side of the crown. The front stays the same size.

After a 7mm drill bit

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3563977216_f539f64c82.jpg)

After an 8mm drill bit

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3563162255_6989a3cf86.jpg)

Dual pivot lovelyness  8) ;D :thumbsup:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3563162495_698575bd13.jpg)

I wouldn't recommend this procedure on anything other than a steel bike.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 May, 2009, 09:38:37 pm

Or buy nutted dual pivot brakes  ;)

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: zzpza on 28 May, 2009, 10:22:05 pm

Quote from: rogerzilla on 28 May, 2009, 09:38:37 pm

Or buy nutted dual pivot brakes  ;)

that's a silly idea when you have POWA TOOLZ!!!  :o :o :thumbsup: 8) ;D :P

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: Zoidburg on 29 May, 2009, 02:14:11 am

The best way to do that is with a step drill bit, looks like a cone.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: robgul on 30 May, 2009, 08:05:52 am

I'm with Roger on this using nutted brakes  .... or in reality I would have probably just pulled the levers on the original brake a bit harder :thumbsup:

Rob

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: nuttycyclist on 30 May, 2009, 09:52:06 am

I've done that conversion too  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: drossall on 30 May, 2009, 07:15:26 pm

Me too - on my Aende road bike. Good nutted brakes were no longer available and it wasn't that difficult. Slightly harder at the back (seat tube in the way) but no great problem.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: clarion on 01 June, 2009, 03:12:25 pm

What dp brakes are available nutted?  I haven't seen any.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: drossall on 01 June, 2009, 07:05:50 pm

Tektro and Alhonga (http://www.byercycles.co.uk/02R0908.html), used to be one or two Shimano as well.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: Karla on 06 June, 2009, 11:56:32 am

To be honest, rather than getting special brakes I'd recommend just modding the frame.  I've done it too and it's really easy - just drill out a couple of  holes.

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: nuovo_record on 17 June, 2009, 11:17:26 am

but mr rogerzilla sold some alhonga's to me for such a good price, why waste time drilling out some forks.....

Title: Re: Upgrading a frame to take modern brakes
Post by: Raph on 24 October, 2009, 06:47:04 pm

I've done that mod on a few old frames to fit dual pivots. I don't really have any nostalgic feelings towards single-pivots, not even the top-of-the-range campags that I used to think were great at the time. If the frame is a piece of history then maybe worth keeping it original, otherwise might as well modify it.