_ForceD_

I’m looking for a source for side pull brake caliper on a step-through frame. I’ve somewhat refurbished an old step through (“girls bike”) road bike frame and it’s being used regularly. It now has better wheels, index shifters, better brake levers. I want to replace the low-quality side pull brake calipers, but am unable to find any descent ones that can be used on this style of frame. The bike has 27” wheels so they need to be long reach calipers. AND, the rear caliper needs to have the in-line barrel adjuster and the cable clamp reversed since the brake cable comes up from the bottom bracket due to the lack of horizontal top tube. The photo isn’t the bike in question, but it shows how the rear brake cable is installed.


Dan

Frkl

Dia compe 884L, but it might not have the right look. They may make other ones too

Frkl

Yes they do: 883ql, has a quick release which I don't think the 884l does.

_ForceD_

Looking at close up of the two models mentioned above, either the barrel adjuster or the QR is riveted onto the caliper (in the traditional position). So they can’t be used on the step-through frame with the cable routing from the BB.

Dan

Frkl

Take a closer look before dismissing them

The 883 has a cable crimp on the upper barrel adjuster. So yes, it is in the traditional position but it secures the cable.

The 884L doesn't have a qr but the 884ql does. Missed the q there, sorry m check out dia Compe's offerings a bit. They have exactly what you need, they may just do what you need in a way you don't expect.

_ForceD_

I see what you’re pointing out now. That would work…except that’s a front brake, and I need it for the rear. I can’t find a picture of it that shows how long the mounting bolt is..but presuming it says it’s a front brake I’d think the bolt is longer since it goes through the fork crown. I suppose I could shorten it and cut new threads onto it. But, I’m still looking. Thanks for pointing that out.

Dan

dedhed

​​​​​​https://www.ebay.com/itm/201149588022

​​​​​​https://www.porkchopbmx.com/dia-comp...spacer-fo.html

dedhed

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25624320014...BoCOy4QAvD_BwE

​​​​​​https://www.ebay.com/itm/266446407292

_ForceD_

Thanks, but those are exactly what’s currently on the bike. I’m hoping to get something that’s a little better quality.

Dan

DorkDisk

I'd try to place a cable stop on the seat tube and a roller on the seatpost clamp; at that point you can use a normal caliper.

Arrowana

If you can't find one that meets your requirements, new pads plus upgrading to compressionless housing should make a noticeable difference. Combining that with DorkDisk's suggestion of a cable stop and roller to let you run a centerpull brake would be even better.

_ForceD_

I’ve thought about that, and it’s not out of the question.

Dan

JohnDThompson 

If the cable anchor and barrel adjuster are bolted to the caliper arms (as opposed to riveted), you can often just swap the positions to get what you want. That's what I did on my daughter's bike.