WTB Hidden Brake Adapter for Track Fork
 

Before I order one from Japan, wanted to try here first. Will be using it for my Raleigh Track bike. I’m not as good as I used to be stopping myself so definitely need brakes.

Thanks,
Asifi
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The online example shows a sculpted fork crown that likely gives the adapter enough clearance. I'd want some exact measurements, especially with the diameter of the quill that inserts into the steering column.

I think I'd rather sub in a road fork painted in Raleigh livery. Maybe less expensive by the looks of that piece?

I've not seen a solution like that before... pretty neat.
Here's hoping you can make it work. Be great to keep bike unchanged. Let us know what you do...
Cheers, Eric

That's really clever. I have a Raleigh track bike just like yours but smaller. As I received it, my fork was already drilled for a brake, and that's good for me. Are you trying to avoid that?

My Witcomb came drilled as well, but I don't know that I would take a drill to it, if it wasn't. The purest of the pure, and all that. Though it was a very common mod BITD, since many of us had no reasonable access to tracks.

Yes, trying to avoid drilling. I was open to drilling the fork before I saw the couple of alternate solutions. I found this option in the forums actually and someone mentioned there is room for up to 25c tires but it will be cutting it very close.

I am not able to help with your inquiry, but can you please link that Japanese solution you found please?

Good luck!

Interesting. I've never seen that though I did run across this awhile back - no track bikes in my inventory so it was just a curiosity. Not as elegant as what you posted and pricey, but no tire clearance issues - you probably have seen this... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dia-Compe-K...-/302047062655

Link

https://alexscycle.com/products/801-...for-700c-fd700

Cool bike, and a cool adapter. Keep us posted as you proceed.

I wonder if one could 3-D print that doodad.

Thanks for the link! I've been looking for this adapter for years.

After lots of research I ended up using this one, with the correct clamp shape for the blades of my fork.

It does flex quite a bit, and doesn't serve as a true front brake. At best it's a brake for trailing, not sure how it would hold up if one were to grab a fistful of brake in an emergency.

The insert-style caliper mount does look super clean, but I have the same reservations as others about fitment/clearance.

An update for those who were interested. The adapter ended up working out for me. I used a rear brake and a steel spacer (don’t recall the exact name for it or measurements) from Dale’s Hardware. The tires are 25c.
Plenty of stopping power and no play.

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Looks great, but please reinstall the brake pads with the open end of the holder facing backward. You don't want the pads launching themselves out of the holders in a panic stop.

That there is a cool gadget, and a very fine bike. I would ditch the spacer and cut down the bolt, but if it works fine, then it would just be for aesthetics.

Yeah, flip them around... But ever try to get a pad out of those record shoes? Even bitd?


The bike looks awesome. Congrats.:thumb:

No need to remove the pads, just swap the pad holders and all, right-for-left.

No one said to remove them. He was saying that the difficulty of removing indicates that the danger isn't as bad as it appears. I might not agree with that, but it's a point. Removing the pads from their holders does nothing to reduce the problem, though, which is why no one suggested it.