some disc brake advice needed

azbill · Nov 9, 2012

I have switched to a disc brake on the front of my stretch
(after 40,000+ miles, one of my S/A drum's sealed bearings self-destructed, leaving the outer race stuck inside the hub)

I lucked out and scored a straight wheel,160mm rotor and cheapo caliper for $20 on CL !!!
azvinnie (son-in-law) made me a mounting plate and welded it to springer

there is very little adjustment with the caliper (static inboard pad won't stay tight, seems to back out on use) and it doesn't stop me very well

just as a frame of reference, my bike is approx 130lbs, and the girls' trailer when loaded is 350+, coaster rear brake, you can see why I need stopping power

I have a very limited budget (like usual), and am trying to decide between these 3 ways to go (any other choices would be nice as well):

cheapie Hayes clone caliper and 203mm rotor (bigger caliper helps disperse heat)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330602823448?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Avid BB7 caliper (supposed to be best mechanical caliper on the market) and 160 rotor:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321019523822?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648

AGK's hydraulic caliper and my rotor (I am not sure how any adjustments are made, or if the hose an be changed to extend it):
http://www.affordablegokarts.com/mm...A&Product_Code=1802&Category_Code=MTRBK+PARTS

I am worried the hydro set-up will be too strong for my springer, but am open to any advice from people with more experience/knowlege than me

thanks in advance to any that answer !!!

Venice Motor Bikes · Nov 9, 2012

If the 'in board' pad is the kind that screws in to adjust it?, you can simply add a drop of Loctite to the threads to keep it in place.

Also... post a close up pic of the front of your bike so we can come up with other ideas.

evil510 · Nov 9, 2012

Are the pads bedded in yet? Until they are, they will suck regardless of whatever setup you go with. If not bedded in yet, give them a chance to break in. You said the inboard static pad keeps backing out. On many calipers, in addition to the main adjuster bolt, there is also a smaller set screw on the side. If you adjust the inboard pad without tightening the set screw it will back out exactly how you are describing. Also, brake lever choice will matter, short pull vs. long pull.....

~ evil ~

azbill · Nov 9, 2012

I am using a M/C lever, will take pics later
(have to pull front fender so you can see what is going on, struts are blocking view, but I did drill an access hole to the adjuster that was covered))

Technocyclist · Nov 9, 2012

i'm with the 203 mm, however some forks cannot accommodate the strain... Hydraulics is ok, if you like bleeding the brake system from time to time. I still prefer the cable system. Brake pads also last longer with 203 mm. Avid brake pads don't really last. I've replaced Avid brake pads 3 times, while my Tektro was still intact. This was the time when i still had my old bike with different calipers. My new bike is now using Tektro... seems to work fine with me with 203 mm rotors.

scotto- · Nov 10, 2012

Hey Bill, I wouldn't go with a rotor any smaller than 185mm given your circumstances no matter what. And as far as stopping power for the load you're hauling, I would definitely opt for the AGK hydros as they will provide the most stopping power at a very reasonable price as well. Call me if you have any questions.

scotto-

dnut

azbill · Nov 17, 2012

I just got around to taking the fender and wheel off,,,
my wheel has an adapter to convert a freewheel thread to a disc mount
my problem is, the rotor bolt pattern is not for a standard bicycle rotor
I do have a 180mm rotor that has the same pattern (came with a huge hub for a go-kart)
it is a lot thicker (approx 2X), so I don't think I can use it with the caliper I have

does anyone have any suggestions or places I can get rotors that fit the adapters ?

I am seeing why it only cost me 20$ for wheel rotor and caliper though

BigBlue · Nov 17, 2012

Bill,

I am assuming you've got a left hand threaded disc rotor adapter for a scooter that in not ISO standard. TP_PeaceSports has rotors that I assume are not ISO standard. They have a Brake Disc Rotor D 180mm Mini Gas/Pocket Bike for $29.99 that is 2mm thick. You'd have to contact them to see if the rotor and adapter match.

http://stores.ebay.com/TP-PeaceSports/Brake-Disc-Rotors-/_i.html?_fsub=397883219
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Disc-...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43a8b1ca44

http://motorbicycling.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=53558&stc=1&d=1353192703

Good Luck,

Chris
AKA: BigBlue

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some disc brake advice needed

azbill

Active Member

Venice Motor Bikes

Custom Builder / Dealer/Los Angeles

evil510

New Member

azbill

Active Member

Technocyclist

Motorized Bicycle Senior Technologist

scotto-

Custom 4-Stroke Bike Builder

azbill

Active Member

BigBlue

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