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Rim Brakes on a 650 Conversion

14743 Views 34 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  BikeSATORI
Does anyone know if rim brakes will work on a 650b conversion? Is there a more adjustable 26'' rim brake that will extend out to work with 650b?

I have tried searching the internet with no luck. Thanks for all your help guys and gals!
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some canti brakes will work. you may be able to do some minor filing if they dont clear.
Paul Components

Sheepo5669 said:
Does anyone know if rim brakes will work on a 650b conversion? Is there a more adjustable 26'' rim brake that will extend out to work with 650b?

I have tried searching the internet with no luck. Thanks for all your help guys and gals!
Coincidence I was just thinking the same thing as i was looking at the Bontrager 650 thread. Looks like he's running canti's though.

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Onza HOX's work, as do the above pictured V's. Actually when you raise the posts that high you might want to use a cantilever compatible lever instead as you're lowering the effective leverage of the V brakes.
Thanks a ton guys! Im leaning toward the paul brakes. They are kinda pricey but they are clean looking and light weight.
I did more research and found that the cane creek direct curve 5 also works.
I also found this product. = http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230485497562&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=M*F%3F&GUID=e9144df11290a0e202e2e942ff63731c&itemid=230485497562&ff4=263602_263622

has anyone had experience with this? ^

you may be able to do some minor filing if they dont clear.
^^^thats definitely the least expensive option and might be the route i take.

use a cantilever compatible lever
wow, i didnt know there was a difference in the levers i really need to do my research before i throw a ton money into the build.

Im leaning toward an ebay carbon frame (just like nixon_fiend) and building a lightweight 650b rigid single speed xc monster.

Thanks for all your help and ill keep yall posted with pics when i get around to the build.
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http://www.paulcomp.com/motobmx.html

On the Paul's brakes they have 2 versions. Use the BMX one as it has way more adjustment.

Tim
Those brake stud mounts for BMX bikes could work also but depends on whether your frame has removable brake studs probably. Many steel frames for example did not.
Yep

DeeEight said:
Those brake stud mounts for BMX bikes could work also but depends on whether your frame has removable brake studs probably. Many steel frames for example did not.
My VooDoo Bizango has removable/adjustible v-brake studs but not enough adjustment for 650 wheel. Have to go disc in back.
The straddle cable on the paul's brakes wont clear the knobs on either the 2.1 neo-moto or the quasi. So I'm afraid they don't work.
However, there is a set of BMX brakes made by kmk, or is it knt, I can't remember the name, anyway, you can get them on eBay for really cheap, and they work. for 26 to 650b conversions on rim brakes.
Thats an option. Though, I have found that most BMX brakes are heavy which would defeat the purpose of the rim brakes in this particular application. Im seriously considering going in the light disk route...
I have some FMF brakes that work, but they were discontinued and I have no idea if they are light or not. How easy is it to find light, rim brake compatible 650b rims anyway?
umarth said:
I have some FMF brakes that work, but they were discontinued and I have no idea if they are light or not. How easy is it to find light, rim brake compatible 650b rims anyway?
Yes, that's right they are the FMF brakes and they work really well and I don't think they were that heavy.

The point of using rim brakes for me was that my conversion frame didn't have disk tabs.
John Jencks said:
Yes, that's right they are the FMF brakes and they work really well and I don't think they were that heavy.

The point of using rim brakes for me was that my conversion frame didn't have disk tabs.
I have a pair in decent condition- I'd trade if someone needs them.
Avid Tri-aligns work great if you can find a set.

The Pauls are V brakes, but otherwise they look very similar. If noodle clearance is a problem I wonder if they could be reconfigured as old-school cantis? Need to use the appropriate lever of course. Clearance would definitely be ample if it could be done...
Avid Tri-Align 3s would be great. The cantilever 1 and 2s, not so much. Actually come to think of it, my Westpine Triple Alignment Cantilevers (its who Avid bought the patented design for the tri-align from) should work well enough also.

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How easy is it to find light, rim brake compatible 650b rims anyway?
Haha yeah, it doesnt seem like there is much of a market for 650b rim brake rims. I feel like disks might be the way to go if i can fork over the coin for em.

ill keep my eye out for a retro set Avid Tri ali. 3s.
Im weary about pauls. they are expensive and might not work.
Im gonna steer clear of BMX brakes. too heavy
FMF are contenders as well

After riding a fairly steep trail at Blankets Creek, Woodstock GA i think i might have to fork the coin for disks. The cantis on my current bike were not adequate for really fast, steep, and wet trails.
Hell, the added bling of some nice hydro disks will definitely improve my chances of getting laid.
Sheepo5669 said:
Haha yeah, it doesnt seem like there is much of a market for 650b rim brake rims. I feel like disks might be the way to go if i can fork over the coin for em.

ill keep my eye out for a retro set Avid Tri ali. 3s.
Im weary about pauls. they are expensive and might not work.
Im gonna steer clear of BMX brakes. too heavy
FMF are contenders as well

After riding a fairly steep trail at Blankets Creek, Woodstock GA i think i might have to fork the coin for disks. The cantis on my current bike were not adequate for really fast, steep, and wet trails.
Hell, the added bling of some nice hydro disks will definitely improve my chances of getting laid.
the stans ztr 355 650b rims may be suitable for this application. I have a pair but Im running discs. The rim is Anodized so you would potentially have to remove this surface. anyway, were you able to source some brakes that could work. Im curios because Im trying to convert an old Ti frame that I picked up.
Discontinued

pdxplosif said:
the stans ztr 355 650b rims may be suitable for this application. I have a pair but Im running discs. The rim is Anodized so you would potentially have to remove this surface. anyway, were you able to source some brakes that could work. Im curios because Im trying to convert an old Ti frame that I picked up.
Yes v brake surface but for some reason Stans is not running the 355 anymore.
just wanted to bring this back...
Looking for some options myself. Originally picked up some bmx style brake post extensions, but found they won't work with my application without some modification. So, back to the drawing board and hoping to find a cheap option for brakes that will have enough adjustment... either canti or linear...
2
The new Shimano CX brakes work great, Velocity Synergy rims.

650b Long Haul Trucker

650b Long Haul Trucker
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