Re: [CR]Mafac brakes

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 12:30:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Tom Dalton" <tom_s_dalton@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Mafac brakes
To: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
In-Reply-To: <20060530190656.17392.qmail@web82208.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
cc: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>

Jerry wrote:

I don't think it was at all clear that was what occurred.

I say:

If you start at the beginning, it is clear what the basic problem was. It was your assumption that "slipped out" meant that the rubber left the holder rather than the whole pad slipping outboard, that lead to the (your) confusion. As an engineer, I'm sure you normally read and write much more carefully.

Jerry wrote:

And I've been amazed at the number of high end bikes on eBay pictured with the shoes backwards.

I say:

I too and amazed by what I see on Ebay. I am amazed by the lack of mechanical common sense among the general public. Must be an information age thing. No matter, this doesn't mean that brake shoe deisgns that restrict easy replacement of the rubber in order to safely accomodate potential misuse are appropriate for racing equipment.

Jerry wrote: Some Campy designs, like the aforementioned DO adjustors, don't cater to common sense either.

I say: Right, you wouldn't want a screw that is readily adjusted with one's fingertips when you could design it to require a screwdriver. Makes perfect sense, especially on a race bike. Jerry, get a grip. Used properly, the Campy design works well, and it's better than some French design that requires a tool. Here's a tip: you need to use a screwdriver and a pair of pliers to crank the dropout screw into the blind hole on the knurled wheel or plastic wingnut (depending on vintage) once done, the wheel/wingnut will stay put in the low-torque appliaction at hand. Thereafter you can accomodate bad dish and bent axles to your heart's content, with every wheel change, and narry a tool is needed. Still not good enough? Add some locktite or, if you must, just put the whole mess together backwards, like the French do. Seen backwards Campy DO screws on Ebay plenty of times too.

Tom Dalton Bethlehem

Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> wrote: I don't think it was at all clear that was what occurred. And I've been amazed at the number of high end bikes on eBay pictured with the shoes backwards. Of course, it's a little harder to do this with Campy, or other shoes with integrated wheel guides, since it is pretty obvious if you have installed the shoe upside down. But if you switch a shoe right to left or front to back, you can still get the open end to the front. Some Campy designs, like the aforementioned DO adjustors, don't cater to common sense either.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX

Tom Dalton <tom_s_dalton@yahoo.com> wrote: Jerry wrote:

If the pads slid out, the brake shoes were installed backwards - that can happen on most classic brakes, including Campy.

Jerry, Read the whole thread and hopefully you will realize that he's talking about the mounting shaft of the MAFAC pad slipping in the eye bolt allowing the whole brake shoe to slide outboard, resulting in increased lever travel, or worse.

Yes, Campy pads can slip out if installed backwards by someone who doesn't know what they are doing. The callipers will also fall off the bike if you forget the fixing nuts. It's just like with those pesky dropout adjuster screws; Campy never really intended for their designs to cater to the lowest common denominator of mechanical skills. However, if that is what appeals to you, Schwinn-approved Winneman center pulls, with the extra alloy plate to retain the shoe rubber, may be to your liking. These are often found alongside the brake safety levers, spoke protectors, and the positive retention device on the hub QR.

Tom Dalton Bethelhem, PA

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