Drill frame or get different brakes?

I posted a few weeks ago about an all chrome Lygie frame I was given and am now almost finished on the build, just waiting on brake levers now.

Today my brakes arrived in the post but not knowing anything about road bikes prior to this build I didn't check whether I needed allen key fitting or the older nutted fitting. As you can guess the brakes I bought are new campagnolo ones with an allen key fitting and the frame needs the older nutted type.

So I have been told I have 2 options - either drill out the frame and forks to take the brakes I have or try and track down some older style brakes to fit the frame. I'm going to run the bike as a SS so need front and back braking capabilities.

What would you guys recommend doing?

If you think I should drill it out then can I do this myself or can you recommend somewhere in london I can get it done by a pro?

If I can get the drilling done for not too much cash then that makes sense as I already have a good set of brakes here and it saves me trying to find some older style ones that will fit.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated and as soon as the bike is finished I'll get some pictures up to show you all.

i think there was a thread about drilling forks, try and search for it,

also make it fixed and then it looks better with only one brake

thats my opinion, you'll just go fixed within a month anyway

If its a really nice frame, its a shame to drill it. If it aint much cop though, go for it. it's a piece of piss and it gives you way more flexibility with brakes.

i'd say drill it, i don't think you can get a old type nutted brake that will work anywhere near as well as a dual pivot. what's more important having brakes that work or drilling your frame? you only have to drill one hole to 8mm anyway, it'll barely be noticable.

I wondered about rusting. My frame was pretty shabby anyway, but when I stripped it down again a year after drilling it, the back brake bridge was pretty grim. With a chromed frame, I'd guess that they'd chrome it after drilling the original brake holes, so it would be protected. Drilling it again might make it rust a bit, but then I guess it depends how nice you are to your bike. Im ashamed to say mine get thrashed around in all weathers, left outside and rarely cleaned.

the frame is ok but nothing special i dont think and was given to me so i'm not fussed about drilling it out. as the frame and forks are already drilled for the smaller nutted brakes i reckon i may be able to just use a round file and make the holes big enough - they only seem to be about 1 or 2 mm too small for the brakes I have. Off down the hardware store now to get a file. Fingers crossed it works.

d

Don't file it, you'll be there forever. Drill it:

-Drill out the back of the fork crown with 8mm bit
-Drill out the whole of the rear brake bridge to 8mm (you won't be able to reach to just do the front of it). Job's a good'un

Honestly it's dead easy.

hmm, maybe you right about the filing...

d

yes, drill it!

bit of grease around the hole when you put the allen bolt through, sorted.

True. And make sure you lubricate while you're drilling too, it'll make it a lot cleaner. A drop of 3in1 (or sunflower oil if you have nothing better) on the bit reduces friction and increases her pleasure.

I had the same problem: the forks were drilled, but not for an Allen bolt. So, I took it to my local bike shop dude. He sorted the fork out for seven quid. Basically what I'm saying is this: if you know a trustworthy mechanic, let him do it for you. Just in case Mr Fuck-up's lurking in the plastic Black & Decker drill box. :-)

Soweto888 I had the same problem: the forks were drilled, but not for an Allen bolt. So, I took it to my local bike shop dude. He sorted the fork out for seven quid. Basically what I'm saying is this: if you know a trustworthy mechanic, let him do it for you. Just in case Mr Fuck-up's lurking in the plastic Black & Decker drill box. :-)

I would say it is worth it too. I do not want to sound round but if you have to ask it isprob not a good idea for you to do it your self. A good drill bit and ideally a pillar drill is all that is needed but like many things there can be a knack to it. Sounds silly but if you ask some one to saw a nice straight line through a peice of wood with a hardpoint saw the number of people that can do this succsess fuly is supprisingly low. Simple task, but takes a little knollage.

What I did is exactly the same. Vintage track frame and Campagnolo brake. The answer is to use the back brake (shorter bolt) on the front fork, and put the allen bolt in the steerer tube and tighten by putting the allen key through the back hole. Use some threadlock, it may come loose once or twice but I tightened it tight and its lasted three weeks so far. You have to remember though the vibrations from the braking and the fact its not tightened through both holes will mean it will probably come loose, and so will mine eventually. You should have some warning though, as when you brake you will feel something wobbling, you'll think it's your headset, but it won't be. So it's like a surprise for those long same-old rides to work.

So maybe that is not really a fix.

So basically Jake it's probably a good idea just to drill it :)

I have done all of these things previously , and in my experience it is best to drill that mother fucker

Jake What I did is exactly the same. Vintage track frame and Campagnolo brake. The answer is to use the back brake (shorter bolt) on the front fork, and put the allen bolt in the steerer tube and tighten by putting the allen key through the back hole. Use some threadlock, it may come loose once or twice but I tightened it tight and its lasted three weeks so far. You have to remember though the vibrations from the braking and the fact its not tightened through both holes will mean it will probably come loose, and so will mine eventually. You should have some warning though, as when you brake you will feel something wobbling, you'll think it's your headset, but it won't be. So it's like a surprise for those long same-old rides to work.

So maybe that is not really a fix.

:S

That method fills me with dread. I'm amazed some people (sheldon) advocate it, from an engineering perspective it's an absolute nightmare. Shuddering like your headsets loose? Bad news!

drill it. it's a 30 second job. I did it a while ago and think i used an 8mm drill bit. use a calipper to figure out the exact diameter of the nut

thanks for all the advice, drilling it is. think this may force me to run it fixed which is probably going to be a good thing anyway. Worried drilling out the rear brake holder on the frame wont leave much metal behind and could weaken it - the part that holds the rear brake is quite a thin piece of tubing.

Agree with all those who suggest getting a pro to do it, got visions of my drill running away with itself and ruining the forks, the floor and probably my body!!

pics will be posted as soon as its all done.

cheers

d

i drilled out my fork to convert from bolt head to allen fitting. worked fine...