Just built a system by welding a 5hp engine on the back of a scrap bike. Need to install brakes but the caliper style wont do because the front wheel is smaller than the height of the pre-installed calipers. What should i do to brake?
Is there a braking system for my build?
- Thread starter slimshady
- Start date
x0xmartyx0x
New Member
Drum brake maybe? Are you looking for a front or rear braking component? Disc would be a much more modern approach too, but personally I like a more vintage look. Sturmey Archer seems to be a popular choice with the research and browsing I've done. Any alternatives anyone?
http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/2
http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/2
Fabian
Well-Known Member
If the 5hp engine is mounted above the top of the rear wheel it will cause a high centre of gravity which will make handling diabolically bad if you have to take evasive action and avoid an obstacle like a dog or worse, a small child running in front of the bike.
wheelbender6
Well-Known Member
You can make a caliper brake bracket for your little front wheel that basically clamps to your fork. Use thru bolts to clamp steel crosspieces to your fork and drill a hole for the caliper brake.
You can also bolt on a cross brace from an old suspension fork like this fellow did on his muscle bike.
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62329&p=601125#p601125
You can also bolt on a cross brace from an old suspension fork like this fellow did on his muscle bike.
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62329&p=601125#p601125
happycheapskate
Active Member
If you have the tools to weld steel with, buy some v-brake bosses or a v-brake adapter plate, and weld them to your fork in the appropriate place(s). V-brakes are cheap and powerful. I prefer them over mechanical disc brakes.
The cheaper way out is to get some LONG cantilever brake levers (different pull than v-brakes, take note!) and use them with old style beach bike calipers. Weld a long piece of steel flat stock to the forks where you want the center bolt to mount, then hacksaw it off beside the forks and grind down for looks. Drill for the mounting hole, and you should be ready to install the brakes and ride.
The cheaper way out is to get some LONG cantilever brake levers (different pull than v-brakes, take note!) and use them with old style beach bike calipers. Weld a long piece of steel flat stock to the forks where you want the center bolt to mount, then hacksaw it off beside the forks and grind down for looks. Drill for the mounting hole, and you should be ready to install the brakes and ride.
professor
Active Member
YES there are brakes for your bike.
Go with V brakes- you can cut the tabs for them off an old bike (along with the other parts) and weld them onto yours (note the correct angle and location from the wheel to where they mount- also note how they are clocked).
V brakes are totally better than old style calipers.
Remember that you are flying compared to a normal bike.
USE Vs on both ends.
Go with V brakes- you can cut the tabs for them off an old bike (along with the other parts) and weld them onto yours (note the correct angle and location from the wheel to where they mount- also note how they are clocked).
V brakes are totally better than old style calipers.
Remember that you are flying compared to a normal bike.
USE Vs on both ends.
