Component sizing?

[SimonRoberts0204]

Are all components that you can buy (e.g 105 stuff) made to standard dimensions which should fit all road bikes?

I put some 105 brakes on my road bike today as the stock brakes really are awful, but I had to do some real engineering to get them on! They certainly dont fit without quite a lot of unique solutions (washers all over the place)


Is this because my bike is some crappy entry level thing so doesnt conform to standards, or is there something Im missing?

,Simon

 

[simon_brooke]

Brakes definitely should not give that sort of problem - have you fitted them right? There was a change in the way road bike brakes bolt on about twenty years ago, and no changes since. Many brakes, however, are made for race bikes and don't have enough 'drop' (distance from bolt to brake track) for larger tyres and mudguards.

 

[Randochap]

What (age) bike are you trying to fit them on? What amount of drop does the bike require -- so shoes contact rim properly?

Modern brakes are made for recessed brake bridges. Does yours have recessed bridges?

Brakes should be easy to install.

 

[accountantpete]

I'd try comparing the two sets - they should be made to the same standard measurements.

You have checked that the front brake is on the front haven't you?

 

[RedBike]

Brakes calipers should have some washers on them. Not sure about all over the place though.

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

When fitted, the 'arms' didnt seem long enough to bring the pads down onto the rims. Without my homemade alterations the pads would be up on the tyre!

The bike is a 2008 raleigh model. Its as cheap as they come, though, but is a 'proper' road bike.

 

[SimonRoberts0204]

I'd try comparing the two sets - they should be made to the same standard measurements.

You have checked that the front brake is on the front haven't you?

I put them on the only way which i could see them fitting at all. Ought they to be marked 'front' and 'back' ?

 

[Randochap]

When fitted, the 'arms' didnt seem long enough to bring the pads down onto the rims. Without my homemade alterations the pads would be up on the tyre!

The bike is a 2008 raleigh model. Its as cheap as they come, though, but is a 'proper' road bike.

You've bought short-reach brakes. You need long-reach. Measure the distance between bolt hole and rim and buy accordingly.

 

[RedBike]

You've bought short-reach brakes. You need long-reach. Measure the distance between bolt hole and rim and buy accordingly.

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