At 11/14/2009 12:18 AM +0000, Norris Lockley wrote:
>Very c;learly Pitard had a very good reason for brazing the studs for the
>rear MAFAC cantilever brakes forward of the brake-bridge, while the norm,
>and what I tend to think is the better place, is to have them rear of the
>bridge.
>
>I have tried both sites for the studs and have, on occasion, but only
>rarely, used both on the same frame at the same time, though I have never
>attempted that on the front fork, although I have seen a Basso frame at the
>Milan Show with that configuration.
>
>Does anyone have on strong feelings on this subject and, very importantly,
>can anyone convince me why this forward position has advantages of the
>standard one?
Norris, You refer to this as a Randonneur frame. Could it be more of a touring frame designed for use with panniers?
As frame size gets larger seat stays become closer to vertical. Causing cantilever brakes in the normal position to become more rearward in relation to the rear axle and rack, leading to potential interference with panniers. Mounting cantilevers forward of the stays on smaller frames could put them too far forward in relation to the rider's legs and feet. Perhaps not while pedalling but while mounting and dismounting.
Or perhaps he was just trying for a different look.
Mark Stonich;
BikeSmith Design & Fabrication
5349 Elliot Ave S. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417 USA
Ph. (612) 824-2372 http://bikesmithdesign.com
http://mnhpva.org