Quality long reach dual pivot caliper brakes… with nuts!!
August 26, 2009 in Moulton
Update: Some of the links below no longer work, but Velo Orange have the updated long reach Tektro R559 available in nutted or recessed versions on their website
Velo Orange have announced that they have commissioned Tektro to make some dual pivot caliper brakes with nut mounts. This style of brake has become more difficult to obtain in recent years, since the introduction of the recessed allen key fitting.
The “extra-long reach” Tektro R556 have a reach of 55-73mm, which will suit F-Frame Moultons with 16inch (349mm) wheels.
The “long reach” Tektro R538 (47 to 57mm) will suit older AM models, with 17 inch (369mm) wheels.
So many of you have been asking for nutted brakes to fit older frames that we asked Tektro to make some for us. This means that you can now easily convert older frames to modern dual pivot brakes without drilling out the fork crown and seat stay bridge.
We ordered the Tektro R538 (with a 47 to 57mm reach) and the Tektro R556 (with a 55 to 73mm reach) in traditional nutted versions. Both brakes are modern dual pivot designs with excellent stopping power. They both include re-fillable cartridge type brake shoes, barrel adjusters with O-rings, and cam type quick-releases. The finish is polished and anodized aluminum. The quality is equal to that on many much more expensive brakes.
Via: The Velo ORANGE Blog
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Chris Mahon said on August 27, 2009
Any good for the APB?
Moultonbuzz said on August 28, 2009
Their reach is not that long! Unless you use 451mm wheels. Tony Hadland has a bike set up like that. Personally, I find the wheels look too big, and lose some of the Moulton aesthetic. Also, the choice of rims and tyres is restricted.
The only disadvantage of V-brakes on an APB is the limited choice of brake lever when using drop bars. I don’t use integrated brake/gear levers, so I am quite happy to use Tektro RL520 or similar. Integrated levers with V-brakes have fewer options, though Travel Agents work well when set up correctly.
I also think flat bars are perfectly suitable for a bike like the APB, especially for commuting.
Thorsten Klein said on November 30, 2009
Hello,
are they wide enough for the original Mk1 mudguards?
Thank you very much in advance, Thorsten
admin said on December 3, 2009
Hmm, good question, and I don’t know the answer. I have used alhongas, which are a similar design, but over AM mudguards, not the originals.
Thorsten Klein said on December 3, 2009
OK, they are already ordered.
I will find out and tell.
Bye, Thorsten
Thorsten Klein said on January 17, 2010
OK,
the R556s are fitted.
Front is fine, rear had clearing issues. I used spacers for the rear caliper.
Bye, Thorsten
Pete Herron said on September 17, 2010
I have fitted these to my Series 1 recently. The front fits very well. The rear, as Thorsten says, needs spacers to lift it above the rubber suspension block (still works perfectly). The cable on the rear brake does run on the left hand side of the frame which is really good as it lines up with the brazed on cable loops. In terms of performance they are a huge improvement (I have Weinman cside pulls previously). I have them with Cane Creek SCR-5 levers and the stopping power is very impressive. St John Street Cycles have the nutted versions in the UK.