Replace steel wheels? Improve braking?

Bozabyka

I have an old twelve speed racer from the 1980s.
Nice ride but the braking isnt great.
Can I buy ali rimmed wheels for a 6speed freewheel?
The Weinmann barkes have some flex could they be upgraded?

ugo.santalucia

How do you know the rims are steel?

Bozabyka

I dont, I thought all old 1980s bikes had steel wheels
Just looked at them and there is no rust.
But they do not stop like my modern race bike

ugo.santalucia

Bozabyka wrote:

I dont, I thought all old 1980s bikes had steel wheels
Just looked at them and there is no rust.
But they do not stop like my modern race bike

No, steel rims are older. Howev er, steel rims had dimples on the brake track.

As for the calipers: it depends on the drop, how long are they? Many Weinmann are long drop. Also, you might have a bolt instead of a recessed nut, which means to upgrade you need to get out the drill first. Drillin the back of the fork is easy, but drilling the inner part of the rear stay bridge is tricky

cycleclinic

You most likely have songle pivot longish drop brakes. The pads are rubbish too there is the reason for the poor braking. Replace calipers with modern tektro ones (they do nutted brakes which is whag your bike is made for) and braking will improve.

You dont have to dk any drilling.

Bozabyka

Its got a recessed nut
Raleigh Prorace
Can anyone please send a link for a Tektro brake that will fit?

ugo.santalucia

Bozabyka wrote:

Its got a recessed nut
Raleigh Prorace
Can anyone please send a link for a Tektro brake that will fit?

You need to measure the drop