Originally Posted by saulgoldie

One of my (too many) bikes is a decent quality no-name track bike. Now, when I ride a fixie on the road, I like a front and rear brake. (Laugh if you want; doesn't bother me.) Oh, I should probly say that this is an olde steel frame. I had the fork drilled out, and I installed a front brake. But the rear cross piece--boss?--where the rear brake would mount is too thin to drill. So I need to replace it, use some other sort of adaptation, or just go with the one brake.

Before I have a proper frame shop install a thicker cross piece or boss--I am not sure the correct terminology-- Brake bridge does anyone know of something I could just bolt on so I could install the rear brake? There is a Japanese company that has made bolt on mounts for caliper brakes, forget the name, for track conversions. Other than that, if I do decide to go the frame shop route, would you recommend a typical frame piece like on a road bike? Yes Or is there some other way, like maybe next to the bottom bracket? Or some other configuration? I have a sketch of an idea for a custome-machined block that could mount on the seat tube near the bottom bracket. Maybe that last one is too involved...

And who is doing these kinds of repairs? Anyone who knows how. Typically someone with frame making experience And would I need to have a whole new frame paint job? Or could I just do some localized painting at the location of the brazing? Either, your choice

And speaking of paint...who is doing good paint The person who does the bridge install should know who they use for paint these days, and what should I expect to spend? For a frame and fork expect from $150 for cheap powder coating to $700+ for a high quality wet spray, decal application or added colors increase cost Cost is a factor, for sure. And since I do not need this bike in my rotation...

I know, several questions. I appreciate any help with any of them. thanks!

Saul