Replacement brake pads for CLB professional brakes?
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Replacement brake pads for CLB professional brakes?
What brake pads have the proper bolt diameter fit for CLB professional brakes? Just purchased a set of brakes w/o the pads or holders. As I understand it, the bolt diameter is different between shimano and campy, of course...
Thanks!
(not my picture)
Thanks!
(not my picture)

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I have no idea, but I solved a similar issue with a set of Suntour Cyclone calipers that (apparently) required a slightly smaller (like Campagnolo) bolt diameter when I already had several sets of nice polish finished Kool Stop brake shoes with new dual compound pads with larger Shimano spec bolts. A chopstick wrapped with a bit of sandpaper will solve the problem if the CLB brake arm slots need to be made a bit larger to accommodate Shimano-style shoes. Then you'll have lots of options without having to go down rabbit holes looking for arcane pads to fit modern shoes.
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Those look a lot like Modolo holders. When you get the calipers, measure the width of the slot and if you're at 6mm then you can fit virtually anything, even a modern threaded post pad with hemispherical washers for better toe-in.
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#4
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When one is unsure, it is always best to wait until you have the parts in your hands to know for sure.
Did I say that correctly?
Did I say that correctly?

Last edited by Bad Lag; 09-21-23 at 10:47 AM.
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You don't want that to move.
I had a similar issue recently (cannot remember which combination of pad and caliper) and made a set of T-shaped flanged inserts, can do that again, pm me if you want to go that route.
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Number One rule regarding brake pad selection: If KoolStop makes something compatible with your calipers, or something you can adapt to use with your calipers, that will be by far your best option.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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Why not just replace the pads instead of the pads and holders?
I suspect Kool Stop pads for Weinmann or Campagnolo holders ought to work:
https://koolstop.com/collections/insert-replacement
I suspect Kool Stop pads for Weinmann or Campagnolo holders ought to work:
https://koolstop.com/collections/insert-replacement
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You guys are telling me to be rational and wait to measure the brakes when they arrive rather than obsessively search online for the appropriate substitute part!?!?
Well, yes, that's probably a good idea.
oneclick That's what I was worried about. I thought for a moment that I would simply purchase the brake pads w/ the smallest bolt size diameter, but realized there probably is a good reason for the bolt matching the slot nearly exactly. Thank you for the offer to make some inserts! If the slots end up being strange (i.e. French) I will definitely take you up on that.
JohnDThompson Unfortunately, the brakes have neither the pads nor the holders.
Well, yes, that's probably a good idea.
oneclick That's what I was worried about. I thought for a moment that I would simply purchase the brake pads w/ the smallest bolt size diameter, but realized there probably is a good reason for the bolt matching the slot nearly exactly. Thank you for the offer to make some inserts! If the slots end up being strange (i.e. French) I will definitely take you up on that.
JohnDThompson Unfortunately, the brakes have neither the pads nor the holders.
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You might want to send Wayne Bingham at Mel Pinto Imports an email. Mel Pinto was an importer of CLB back in that time period. Wayne has all sorts of small service parts, and you might get lucky. As an aside, some models of Galli brakes from that time period used CLB pads and holders. That is another needle in a haystack, but on the bright side searching for them as well increases your chances by 100%.
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You might want to send Wayne Bingham at Mel Pinto Imports an email. Mel Pinto was an importer of CLB back in that time period. Wayne has all sorts of small service parts, and you might get lucky. As an aside, some models of Galli brakes from that time period used CLB pads and holders. That is another needle in a haystack, but on the bright side searching for them as well increases your chances by 100%.
But, there is this ebay listing which claims their pads fit the CLB pro holders! Here's to hoping Mr. Bingham has some extra pieces still.
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Without actually loosening the nut securing the pad, I can measure the slot in my CLB Professional calipers as being at least 7.4mm wide, possibly just slightly wider if I were to loosen the nut and slide the pad holder all the way out of the way.
My pads/holders are Gran Comp replacements, plain looking pieces having 6mm studs. The slot being a bit bigger seems not to interfere with adjustment, of with the security of the pad mounting.
These are great brakes if you are a lightweight, though may seem flexy if you are at all on the big side. I'm not using the Dural cable housings as mine came with Dia Compe cabling (on my sold-as-frame/fork-only Nishiki Pro from 1978).
My pads/holders are Gran Comp replacements, plain looking pieces having 6mm studs. The slot being a bit bigger seems not to interfere with adjustment, of with the security of the pad mounting.
These are great brakes if you are a lightweight, though may seem flexy if you are at all on the big side. I'm not using the Dural cable housings as mine came with Dia Compe cabling (on my sold-as-frame/fork-only Nishiki Pro from 1978).
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Thanks, dddd ! Perhaps this problem is more of a mole hill than a mountain.
Good to hear they stop well, it's what I've seen written elsewhere too.
Btw, do these brakes require a different setup compared to regular single pivot brakes? As far as I can tell they don't have the usual wrench flats. Or, a nut at the front...They seem like one is supposed to simply center them like a dual pivot??
Good to hear they stop well, it's what I've seen written elsewhere too.
Btw, do these brakes require a different setup compared to regular single pivot brakes? As far as I can tell they don't have the usual wrench flats. Or, a nut at the front...They seem like one is supposed to simply center them like a dual pivot??
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It's CLB's weight weeniness to a fault!
But then Jeannie Longgo did win a lot of championships using CLB "Professionel" brakes on her Vitus bikes during her long career......
#17
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Piff-
In the CLB box there should be a two prong, hooked wrench that will fit into the spring on the back of the caliper. It will allow you to tilt and hold the brake in position while tightening the fixing bolt. If it's gone, a similar one was available from Park tools.
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/prod...ategory=Brakes
In the CLB box there should be a two prong, hooked wrench that will fit into the spring on the back of the caliper. It will allow you to tilt and hold the brake in position while tightening the fixing bolt. If it's gone, a similar one was available from Park tools.
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/prod...ategory=Brakes
Last edited by bertinjim; 09-22-23 at 06:23 PM. Reason: spelling
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Piff-
In the CLB box there should be a two prong, hooked wrench that will fit into the spring on the back of the caliper. It will allow you to tilt and hold the brake in position while tightening the fixing bolt. If it's gone, a similar one was available from Park tools.
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/prod...ategory=Brakes
In the CLB box there should be a two prong, hooked wrench that will fit into the spring on the back of the caliper. It will allow you to tilt and hold the brake in position while tightening the fixing bolt. If it's gone, a similar one was available from Park tools.
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/prod...ategory=Brakes