What brakes should I get

Sailingalong
Sailingalong Posts: 156
edited October 2007 in Workshop
I have a Raleigh Record Sprint and the brakes are rubbish.
I also have a Ribble bike with Shimano Sora brakes and I like these so I've tried to put the Soras' onto the Raleigh but they don't fit.

Can any of you guys, point me in the right direction for what brakes I should be looking to buy for the Raleigh.
Thanks.

Comments

  • Steven Martin
    Steven Martin Posts: 280
    What is the problem that they don't fit? You are a bit short on detail for us to offer any help.
  • OnTow
    OnTow Posts: 130
    If the problem is that your caliper arms are not long enough i.e. The blocks make contact with the tyre rather than the rim, then the answer is to look for a set of "deep drop" calipers.
    Best to take it to the shop and try a few out. I believe, but you will need to verify this, that the drop is measured from the centre of the fork's caliper bolt, down to the centre of the rim.

    Deep drop calipers are made by Shimano.
    I have Tektro deep drops, which are not quite as effective, but pretty reasonable - especially when coupled with SwissStop brake blocks.

    Are you running 700c or 27" wheels on your Raleigh? How old is it?
    If it's as old as I think, then the original calipers are not dual pivot, though they look the same technology as current calipers - this makes a big difference to the stopping power.
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    Thanks for responses:
    Couldn't remember why, so I've taken the Sora off the back wheel and when i insert in in the frame of the Raleigh, the thread doesn't come out the other side (nor does it on the Ribble)..
    The nut that screws onto this thread is a longish Allen key type that fits inside the frame and then screws onto the thread of the brake.....this wont go inside the Raleigh frame, so I cant screw it on.
    Hope that makes sense :?
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    700c wheels by the way and the Raleigh is about 88/89.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    The problem you have is that your frame is designed for old fashioned brakes with a long bolt, which goes right through the frame and a nut goes on the end outside the frame. New style brakes have a shorter bolt and the nut sits inside the frame, requiring a bigger hole. Unsurprisingly, Sheldon has something useful to say on the subject: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ra-e.html#recessed
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    Thanks aracer, I understand now...I think.

    So I can use the front in the back after drilling. Not quite sure if I can use the back in the front after drilling, or do I need 2 new fronts. :?
  • Steven Martin
    Steven Martin Posts: 280
    If you drill out the front then you need the extra long recessed nut and will use the back for the front brake, but measure and make sure that the reach of the rear brake plus the recessed nut minus required screw in is sufficient. The nuts cost about £3 or so and come in a few different lengths (the really long ones are normally used on very areo forks.

    Alternatively go to SJSCycles and they will probably sell you brakes that are traditional.
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    Got it now thanks. Will do.
  • Sailingalong
    Sailingalong Posts: 156
    Tried the front in the back but unfortunately the blocks are too high up, touching the tyre as ontow pointed out.
    Thanks anyway.

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