Old racing bike brakes (Raleigh Equipe)

[jorgemartin]

I have a Raleigh Equipe 80's bike which I have decided to restore. What kind of compatible brake could I replace it with? See picture below. I started working on this bike a while back ago and I tried to fit Campagnolo Veloce 06 brakes, but they did not fit. Will something like a Sora Dual pivot brakes work?

 

[TheDoctor]

I think you need brakes with a 6mm nut for those. They are still available.
Or you could drill out the brake bridge so it will take a modern recessed brake fitting.
Not sure I'd bother restoring an Equipe though, They weren't all that when new.

 

[jorgemartin]

How do I find these 6mm nut brakes?

 

[sidevalve]

Try looking on E Bay, but what's wrong with the existing brakes ? As above it may not be worth spending a fortune so I would make a proper job of refurbing the ones you've got. Take 'em off strip 'em down REALLY clean 'em [they look like ally, that'll polish up well] lubricate the pivots and take time setting 'em up. This type of brake worked well for many years and still do ok today with a bit of TLC [OK, I know they aint hydraulic disc stoppers but they CAN do a fair job].

 

[jorgemartin]

Try looking on E Bay, but what's wrong with the existing brakes ? As above it may not be worth spending a fortune so I would make a proper job of refurbing the ones you've got. Take 'em off strip 'em down REALLY clean 'em [they look like ally, that'll polish up well] lubricate the pivots and take time setting 'em up. This type of brake worked well for many years and still do ok today with a bit of TLC [OK, I know they aint hydraulic disc stoppers but they CAN do a fair job].

Good point, I have only cleaned the brakes superficially and I must I agree, these need a proper strip down and thorough cleaning. Cheers.

 

[fossyant]

Strip them down and clean them up. New cables work wonders, and I'd fit newer pads to them too

 

[biggs682]

new cables and some koolstop pads should make a differance , are they alloy or steel rims as steels will be worse than alloys no matter if dry or wet weather

 

[Turnpike]

I agree new inner & outer cables will make a difference. From the picture it looks like you're already using modern brake shoes, although avoid cheap ones as the compound used in cheap shoes is pretty rubbish. I see you've already got replacement alloy wheels fitted so no need to change those. The calipers are Weinmann, probably 500 drop, and give reasonable performance providing they're well maintained (and you don't expect too much). The bike was designed for Weinmann brakes, so if you do replace them make sure the new calipers are aligned correctly with the rims and pivot corerctly.

There were 2 variations of the original 1986/7 Equipe model - the standard Equipe had steel rims with a gunmetal and white paint scheme; and the Super Equipe had Weinmann eyeletted alloy rims with a red and white paint scheme. Reasonable spec 12 speeds with high tensile steel frames - not very light and not very fast, but useful commuters.

 

[jorgemartin]

new cables and some koolstop pads should make a differance , are they alloy or steel rims as steels will be worse than alloys no matter if dry or wet weather

These are alloy rims

 

[jorgemartin]

I agree new inner & outer cables will make a difference. From the picture it looks like you're already using modern brake shoes, although avoid cheap ones as the compound used in cheap shoes is pretty rubbish. I see you've already got replacement alloy wheels fitted so no need to change those. The calipers are Weinmann, probably 500 drop, and give reasonable performance providing they're well maintained (and you don't expect too much). The bike was designed for Weinmann brakes, so if you do replace them make sure the new calipers are aligned correctly with the rims and pivot corerctly.

There were 2 variations of the original 1986/7 Equipe model - the standard Equipe had steel rims with a gunmetal and white paint scheme; and the Super Equipe had Weinmann eyeletted alloy rims with a red and white paint scheme. Reasonable spec 12 speeds with high tensile steel frames - not very light and not very fast, but useful commuters.

Thanks! I have built the rear wheel with new reasonable components (Mavic A119 rim, DT Swiss champion spokes and Tiagra Hub) and I am in the process of building the front wheel too. I will strip down the whole bike, clean thoroughly, replace brake and gear cables and re-paint it in white or black... I know the Raleigh Equipe is not a super duper bicycle but I like it.

 

[raleighnut]

Use 105 brakes,but 2 fronts. The back of the forks will drill to size but do not drill out the bridge on the rear, using a front on the rear with a suitable Nylock nut gets round this'
Mind you I went full 105, restored a pair of wide flange Maillard hubs which I had laced to Mavics but retained the old suicide brake levers. Cloth bar tape,SCS (Bluemells) mudguards & a Brooks complete it . I love it , Bombproof bike and it has a lovely ride quality you just do not get these days , above all RIDE IT

 

[jorgemartin]

I ended up drilling bigger holes and it's all hunky dory now. Using basic Shimano caliper brakes which work a treat. I ride it everyday!