-
I’ve never found it much of a hassle aligning a rear brake on a fixed, although I’ve only ever had this set up once on a Pompino.
As others have said, tension the chain, align the brake, and you’re good to go. As long as you keep the chain reasonably well tensioned you shouldn’t have any issues.
Ultimately the best solution to keep a rear brake aligned on a fixed wheel bike is to use a rear disc brake and sliding dropouts.
hollow__legs-
Ultimately the best solution to keep a rear brake aligned on a fixed wheel bike is to use a rear disc brake and sliding dropouts.
There is a much simpler solution.
The forward opening dropouts which were a standard feature on road frames for many decades (say 1910 - 1980, at least) are angled down towards the front. This is precisely to maintain the correct angle of the brake blocks (pads if you will) as the wheel moves in the
fork end.The attached pic of my Gillott shows this angle - I could find a clearer example, but I happen to have this one conveniently to hand.
A question: for non track use, can anyone explain why it is better to have rearward opening ends for fixed?
I can see disadvantages (eg: with mudguards it's difficult to get the wheel out to change a punctured tube), but no real advantages.
clubman
A question for those with front and rear brakes: Is it much hassle to align the rear? I would usually only run a front (Dolan PC) but may be getting a new frame with scope for a rear brake and track ends.
I ride Audax and have a fixed SR and LEL under my belt on the Dolan, would you say a rear brake helps when in the saddle along time? I imagine on long descents you can alternate hands and avoid soreness and help regulate cadence a bit more?
Or do you find little difference?