Gillott

Hi All! I have an old Gillott (late 50s) and want to run her fixed. Have 700 wheels and a Tetrax (or something) brake that can handle the smaller wheel diameter as the bike is made for 27 1/4 wheels. BUT the brakes have a chrome tube that fits through the back of the fork crown to screw on to the brake callipers and it doesn't quite fit through the hole in the back of the fork crown - we are talking 1mm. Should i drill out the fork crown so the chrome tube with threads on the inside of it will fit into the hole in the fork crown and then i can attach the brake and get pedalling or is there another way? bit hesitant to actually mess with the frame....
Any suggestions welcome. hope this hasn't been discussed already as don't want to ask for advice when it has already been given. cheers

Good morning,

you have an old frame that you are trying to fit a modern fitting brake to.

My suggestion would be to get an old brake style that has a bolt that will go all the way through the fork crown and fasten with a conventional bolt.

Drilling out forks seldom goes well unless you have a pillar drill and some tough bits, even then you won't get the exact fit a modern countersunk bolt needs.

Have a look at these :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Weinmann-Type-730-Brakes-/180792282390?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a180f4d16

or these :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WEINMANN-TYPE-500-BRAKE-CALIPERS-SINGLE-PIVOT-BRAKES-VINTAGE-/190625390630?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2c6228a026

and you will see the different fitting for the bolts.

Pop round to your LBS, they are bound to have one lying about in the back shop or call Ivor and ask him.

regards Allister

I suspect you have Tektro calipers. Some Tektro models come in both nut and allen bolt fitting. You need the nut fitting. Exchange if possible.

Hi Did you get the brakes sorted on the Gillott? Is this John in Forres?