Re: [CR]Is this a real problem? Drilled brake bridge

(Example: Framebuilding)

Date: Fri, 21 Oct 2005 22:07:34 -0500
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: L Travers <lat7575@swbell.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Is this a real problem? Drilled brake bridge
References: <43594E7C.4000009@swbell.net>
In-Reply-To: <43594E7C.4000009@swbell.net>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

L Travers wrote:
> Greetings all:
>
> I am in the process of purchasing a Motobecane LeChampion and the seller
> has raised a concern about the brake bridge. It appears that it has
> been drilled for a recessed brakeset and in the process material has
> been removed from the bridge. It appears to me this is not too bad and
> is probably easily repairable. I would think a tube and some brazing
> would eliminate any strength problems.I am assuming the under side is
> similar.
> What say you? Thanks.
>
>
> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lat7575@swbell.net/my_photos
>
> Look in the folder Motobecane.

No; that looks like a typical simple-tube type brake bridge, where the tube that holds the pivot bolt has been poorly brazed into an over-sized hole in the bridge. If the flat plate upon which the pivot bolt rests is solidly fixed to the bridge, you should be OK, except for cosmetics. If not, or if the cosmetics bother you, some careful sanding to remove the paint from the center of the bridge should allow you to fill the void with some silver or brass and solidly fix the plate to the bridge. You'll have to be careful and quick, though, to prevent paint damage from extending beyond the bridge onto the seat stays. Done right, all you should need is some touch-up to the brake bridge.

--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA