Cantilever Brakes: 27" to 700c

[elong8]

So I have this 84 Trek 520. It's my first touring build and I'm really into it. I scrapped the crappy Helicomatic wheelset and got a pair of Ultegra/Open Pros 700c. I'm having hell with the brakes. I know that there's a change in wheel size, but I was certain I could overcome it with newer cantilever brakes. I got a couple pairs of Paul Touring and they're off by just enough that they hit the actual tire. My LBS and started to grind out a bit more room to make them fit, but I'm not sure that's the best option. Can you guys recommend a better set of cantis or another option? Because this grinding sucks and I'm not even sure it's the answer.

Thanks!

[cat6]

i went through the same and this blog added a lot of clarity to the brake issues for me.

http://nihonmaru.blogspot.com/2011/08/phoenix-project-shimano-m732-cantilever.html

[zmudshark]

I have some old Dia Compe 981 canti's on my 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP. The bike was spec'ed with 27" wheels, but the 981's are adjustable to 700c.

[elong8]

Man I hate to scrap these Paul's- they look awesome.

[toytech]

Canti's always make for a complicated swap. Post width was not standardized either so trial and error sometimes is needed to find a pair of canti brakes that will play nice, the dia compe 981's are what I used on my 620.

[Ken Robb]

I think I have a set of Dia Compe cantis could part with for $40. Let me know if I should dig them out.

[elong8]

You guys think it would be the same for the rear? The front is just so tight. I feel like maybe it's easier in the back. (Don't make a joke)

[pbarry]

Just buy Ken's set, then you will be matchy.

[pinkshogun]

the rear canti posts are wider and will accomadate a modern canti brake much better than the narrow front...been there a few times in the past

[elong8]

Ken- can you send a pic.

[oldpotatoe]

So I have this 84 Trek 520. It's my first touring build and I'm really into it. I scrapped the crappy Helicomatic wheelset and got a pair of Ultegra/Open Pros 700c. I'm having hell with the brakes. I know that there's a change in wheel size, but I was certain I could overcome it with newer cantilever brakes. I got a couple pairs of Paul Touring and they're off by just enough that they hit the actual tire. My LBS and started to grind out a bit more room to make them fit, but I'm not sure that's the best option. Can you guys recommend a better set of cantis or another option? Because this grinding sucks and I'm not even sure it's the answer.

Thanks!

Can your bike shop try a set of shorter V Brakes, TRP or Tektro, to see if the pads can go low enough for 700c?

[elong8]

That's a great idea. I just don't want to buy anything only to find out it won't work. Again. The Paul's were an expensive mistake. The Velo Orange are said to work, but also pretty pricey. Looks like the key is the adjustable pivot of the pad.

[ahumblecycler]

TRP Revox would likely work. These brakes offer the greatest degree of adjustability that I have seen or used on a cantibrake.

[roydyates]

I have some old Dia Compe 981 canti's on my 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP. The bike was spec'ed with 27" wheels, but the 981's are adjustable to 700c.

I think zmudshark's advice is pretty good. I helped a friend convert an old Fuji S18S from 27 inch to 700c wheels. The old Dia Compe's were the only brakes that worked. None of my other random canti/V/mini-V brakes could set pads low enough.

My impression was that old bikes from the 80's specified a canti post closer (ie higher up) to the rim. This is problematic for 27inch to 700c conversion since the 700c rim is lower, and thus even closer to the canti post.

[jc031699]

Have you found a solution yet? I have a mini-V that you can try out to see if it works. I believe I am right down the road from you.

[elong8]

I have!! "Deerhead" Deore XT cantis did the trick. Not the most attractive brakes, but perfect. I'm gonna post a thread with the new build soon. Very proud. Thanks for the help.


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