Bicycle Tidbits

Could It Be This Simple?

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As you can see, the Tektro 917a brakes are shorter and heavier than the Shimano LX calipers they replaced.  They are only 75mm from mounting bolt center to the end of the arm, there isn't a lot of tire clearance.  I will be unable to get a fender between the cable and the tire, but haven't had to.  The stock Green Gear fender is easy enough to trim so that it stops before it reaches the caliper arms. They mounted very easily, and incorporate centering adjustments on both caliper arms.  These centering screws use a 2.5mm hex key rather than Shimano's combination straight/cross head screw.  The noodle came lubed with Bull Shot (or similar synthetic grease), and the low profile brake pads (while not the world's greatest) seem to do an adequate job of stopping the bike.

The NWT can now stand on its nose, and skid its rear tire.  The hand force required is acceptable, and the caliper springs are still strong enough to pull back all of the cable slack.  I love these brakes.  They are cheap, and they work with standard pull levers!    The way I see it, $18 buys either a Travel Agent, or a Tektro 917A caliper set.  If you buy the Travel Agent, you still have to buy a v-brake.  The only reason I can see for someone to buy a Travel Agent is for the extra tire clearance the LX brakes allow.

I have installed a 917a brake on the front of my son's bike (an 80's vintage Stump Jumper with 406 wheels) and am also very pleased with the results there. I have installed them on the Purple People Eater (our "big wheel" tandem) with mixed results.  Under heavy breaking, I can see the rear calipers flexing, and I suspect the stock pads should be replaced with some Kool Stops.  On the plus side, the 917a still provides sufficient space for Zefal fenders to pass beneath the cable on the tandem's 700c wheel.  As the image shows, it's not even a particularly close fit.

If you have had any problems with your long arm brake/adapter combination, I strongly suggest you consider a pair of 917a or 927a calipers.  Their price is little more than the cost of new pads, the potential for greatly improved braking is high.

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