[CR] dropping the Mafac

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:20:48 -0700 (PDT)
From: "john strizek" <lyonstrings@yahoo.com>
To: classic rendevous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] dropping the Mafac


Dear Jon,    Regarding the use of the Racers.    The rear brake is mounted on a plate welded between the stays. Use of a suitable plate bolted to the original mounting can extend the mounting point down to reach the 700c rim.

   The front brake can be a bit more problematic. On occasion the front brake is not as long a reach as rear for contact. Sometimes if it is close a little judicious filing on the bottom of the slot for the pads can just make the necessary difference. There is also an alternative of finding a fork for 700c wheel in front so that the wheel is effectively moved closer to the crown. In that way the Racer may also fit. There is a slight question of lowering the front of the bike a small amount by use of the shorter fork. But the bright side is you look like an urban time-trialer and you are always going down hill.

  I have a theory that may work but it is up to you to prove it empirically. use of two small 1/8" thick tabs and a reinforcing tube on the original 27" fork.      1.Cut two pieces of 1/8 inch strap from scrap steel or from a hardware store. the pieces can be one inch long or longer if necessary. and as wide as will fit between the fork blades. The width does not need to be wider than the traditional concave washer used on the fork for mounting brakes.

     2. drill two holes, one in each end large enough to allow a brake mount bolt to pass through. Try to leave at least an 1/8th inch at each end.        3. Mount the two plates on the fork using two concave mounting washers. Mount using a brake mounting bolt or substitute using a 1/4 inch bolt or 6mm bolt.       4. measure the distance between the bottom mounting holes on the homemade plates. Cut a piece of reinforcing tubing of the smallest diameter that will fit over a brake mounting bolt to fit between the homemade plates. Paint it to look nice and deter rust.       5,. Mount the brake to the dropped bolt plates and "Bob's your Uncle!" good luck to you, and happy trails to all CR members

john
strizek
sacramento ca in the USA