Re: [CR] wisdom of drilling the stem for brake cable?

(Example: History)

From: "W PAUL PATZKOWSKY" <oldtrikerider@q.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:46:35 +0000
In-Reply-To: <195fa6980911192013l2c9352a3o3bbca1393bab76bc@mail.gmail.com>
References: <OF0DC27290.F07E5BF1-ON85257674.000ABAF4-85257674.000B1C6D@LocalDomain> <E02E960FA9114FACA827622299AF708C@ARSPC>
Subject: Re: [CR] wisdom of drilling the stem for brake cable?


When I built up my Ken Rogers trike 35 years ago we debated how to run the brake cables for the front brakes. Like many trikes it had a Mafac center pull paired with a Mafac cantilever brake. We finally drilled a very small hole through the TTT stem for the cantilever brake cable. After 35 years the stem is still sound and the brakes work very well. Please note that trike riders will sometimes twist the handlebars to keep a rear wheel on the ground or, conversely, to lift it up as when riding on two wheels.

Paul Patzkowsky

Longmont, Colorado
  
> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:13:51 -0500
> From: eekeller@psu.edu
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR] wisdom of drilling the stem for brake cable?
>
> There have been a number of companies that ran the brake cable through
> the stem and some have had failures. There are some advantages,
> namely the stem should be stiffer than a hanger, and the cable run is
> a little better. But it's mostly for cosmetics. Hopefully any
> on-topic stems have proved themselves worthy by now. As with any
> safety item, users should periodically check for cracks.
>
> Eric Keller
> Boalsburg, PA
>
> On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 10:33 PM, Andrew R Stewart
> <onetenth@earthlink.net> wrote:
> > Marcus- "Worth it" is a relative term. For me, brakes are darn near the top
> > of the list. So I say yes.
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- From: <marcus.e.helman@gm.com>
> > To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> > Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:01 PM
> > Subject: [CR] wisdom of drilling the stem for brake cable?
> >
> >
> >> I have seen a few bikes where the stem has had a hole drilled in it to
> >> accommodate the front centerpull brake cable. I can see how this would
> >> make for a better cable run, but is it worth it?
> >>
> >>
> >> Best regards,
> >> Marcus Helman
> >> Detroit, MI
> >>
> >>
> >>
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> >> _______________________________________________
> >
> > Andrew R Stewart
> > Rochester, NY