Re: [CR] Masi Special and Universal 61 front brake: doesn't fit (Josh Berger)

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 09:37:44 -0500
From: "Louis Schulman" <louiss@gate.net>
To: <cino1947@aol.com>
References: <e75d.7f082f74.3879bc66@aol.com>
In-Reply-To:
Cc: nhell39123@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Masi Special and Universal 61 front brake: doesn't fit (Josh Berger)


Yes. The apparent problem with that bike and yours is using a rear brake on the front. Commonly, Universals came in non-matching sets; the rear was a longer reach than the front. According to Sutherland's, Model 61 #105 had a reach of 54.5 cm, while Model 61 #106 had a reach of 64 cm. If both your brakes are the same reach, you need the short reach for the front.

Louis Schulman Tampa, Florida (where it is ridiculously cold)

cino1947@aol.com wrote:
> In restoring my early 60's Masi Special, I am trying to fit Universal 61
> brakes, which I understand is what were intended. No problem with the rear,
> but the pads in the front brake only reach about half way up the side of the
> rim (Fiamme red), even with the shoe all the way to the top of the slot! I
> actually found a picture of a 1965 Special recently on eBay that seems to
> show the same situation.
> _http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=190348525623_
> (http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=190348525623)
> This seems dangerous as the pads may not give enough braking power, and
> they might even slip under the rim during a hard brake.
> I would have to use Universal 68's or Campy Nuovo Record.
> Anybody seen this before?
> Thanks.
> Josh Berger
> cino1947@aol.com

> Bronx, NY

> USA