Recommend Road Caliper Brakes & Levers
10-29-23, 06:33 PM
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Recommend Road Caliper Brakes & Levers
I picked up a super nice 2016 Mr. Pink frameset. Like new. I have wanted one since 2016 and finally happened on one. Pretty excited about building it. I plan to build this up as a bit of an old school rando/endurance bike. Something fast but comfortable for longer rides. I would like to use silver components to keep it a bit retro looking.
I plan to run friction shifters and picked up a pair of the Dia Comp Wing Shifters to see how they work for me. If they don't work I may just mount downtube. I need a nice pair of old style non-aero brake levers and some 47-57 road calipers.
Looking for some great brakes - something with good feel and modulation. I was thinking possibility the Velo Orange Grand Cru - about 180 a pair. I have never used them, nor has anyone I know. Any experience with these? Are there other 47-57 road caliper options which would be a better choice?
Optional Bonus Question: What non-aero levers would you recommend to compliment the calipers?
I plan to run friction shifters and picked up a pair of the Dia Comp Wing Shifters to see how they work for me. If they don't work I may just mount downtube. I need a nice pair of old style non-aero brake levers and some 47-57 road calipers.
Looking for some great brakes - something with good feel and modulation. I was thinking possibility the Velo Orange Grand Cru - about 180 a pair. I have never used them, nor has anyone I know. Any experience with these? Are there other 47-57 road caliper options which would be a better choice?
Optional Bonus Question: What non-aero levers would you recommend to compliment the calipers?
10-29-23, 08:16 PM
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That's a pricey brake set, but looks nice. Any double pivot brake with good pads installed should provide great braking. Tektro, Dia Compe, etc.
Not a lot of new hooded non-aero levers out there aside from Dia Compe. The current ones look like they have more modern hand area than the best '80s models, but maybe they are the same.
Otherwise, there are repro-Campy hoods available, so you could use old Campy or other levers that also fit those hoods. The Dia Compes also tend to fit many of those old levers decently.
Not a lot of new hooded non-aero levers out there aside from Dia Compe. The current ones look like they have more modern hand area than the best '80s models, but maybe they are the same.
Otherwise, there are repro-Campy hoods available, so you could use old Campy or other levers that also fit those hoods. The Dia Compes also tend to fit many of those old levers decently.
10-29-23, 08:56 PM
#3
Touring Rocks
Maybe check out Diacompe vintage 80's Model G brakes and same era Diacompe levers . They work well with good modulation and the levers are easy to get replacement hoods for.
Add some good brake pads and they will do the job.
Add some good brake pads and they will do the job.
10-30-23, 06:08 AM
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These:
Shimano 105 Brake levers Vintage Roading Bicycle SLR return springs black NOS | eBay
Excellent results when matched with any dual pivot brakeset of the appropriate size from Shimano or Tektro. Like so:
Shimano 105 Brake levers Vintage Roading Bicycle SLR return springs black NOS | eBay
Excellent results when matched with any dual pivot brakeset of the appropriate size from Shimano or Tektro. Like so:
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10-30-23, 09:09 AM
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J&B Importers lists 15 different varieties of road brake levers by Origin8, TRP, Tektro, SunRace, and SRAM. And calipers by Cane Creek, Campagnolo, Dia Compe, Origin8, SRAM, SunRace, Odyssey, and FSA, with various reach dimensions. Most local bike shops have accounts with J&B. I suggest you give them a try.
