[CR]Cirque Bike Assembly Headaches

(Example: Framebuilding)

Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 07:25:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Thomas Adams" <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Cirque Bike Assembly Headaches

Dear List:

As we enter the home stretch, scrambling to get bikes put together and test ridden before Cirque, I've hit a problem.

The brakes I want to use arent compatible with the frame.

What, you say, did he use short reach on a long reach frame? No, no no!

Recessed mounts on a nutted frame? No, no no!

Calipers hitting odd sized/shaped chainstays? No no no!

The center bolts are too fat for the brake bridge/fork holes. Arrgh!

Brakes are Shimano 600's. Frame would have been built for Campy brakes. The threaded part of the brake center bolt goes through, but the unthreaded part sticks tight. It appears that Campy brake centerbolts were more svelte than other brands.

Any suggestions? Do I drill out the frame openings? The fork crown is chromed, so I'm reluctant to do anything that might cause flaking, chipping or burning. Is it better to sand down the barrels? How long with that take?

And is this a common problem? I'm surprised I haven't seen this before, although as I think about it, I did see it on a rear brake (a Weinmann Carrera) on a frame designed for Campy. Any suggestions appreciated. Oh, I;ve got other brakes to use, but now it's a matter of principle (You WILL accept the brakes I want!)

Tom Adams, rapidly graying in Manhattan Kansas, USA

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