Hi Folks - I'm new to this list, and I am in search of parts for a 1955 Mercian road and path frame that I recently acquired.
For the short term, because I want to use this bike, I have built it up with modern components, but in the longer term I would like to put appropriate period componentry on her!
The immediate problem is brake caliper reach - it seems that to use 700C wheels I need 60mm of reach for the (front) brake caliper, and I can't seem to find anything except the rather wimpy looking Tektro 715.... That one seems as though it would flex a lot during braking.
One option I have discovered is using a drop bolt (available at Harris Cyclery) and a regular reach caliper. Has anyone used one of these, and if so, did it work well? I'd like a pretty effective brake, since I'll use this bike fixed wheel.
Thanks guys!
Fraser Cunningham, Cincinnati
1955 Mercian road and path
1984 Mercian King of Mercia