posted by Marc on february 14, 1998 at 03:29:55:
in reply to: Merlin Newsboy, its U-Brake and DIRT! posted by Dominic on january 18, 1998 at 21:09:53:
: Greetings to one and all,
: As you may know, the Merlin Newsboy comes mounted with u-brake mounts on the chain-stays to retain its retro characteristics. However, I was wondering if there exists a screw-on adapter of some sort from Merlin Metalworks, or otherwise, to permit me to mount normal cantilever brakes, v-brakes, etc., on the seat-stays instead?
: This is because the effectiveness of the u-brake on my Newsboy deteriorate midway through each ride. The amount of dirt it collects down there is unbelievable. I will have to thoroughly clean out the u-brake before each ride, only to succumb to the same fate midway through. I am getting really tired of this (after two years) and am thinking of running disc brakes if no such adapter exists.
: Changing my frame is the last resort. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve this situation? Thanks in advance.
: Dominic
Dominic, you mentioned "U brake" The Newsboy comes standard with a WTB rollercam brake that fits on U brake mounts. I have owned the rollercam for over 8 years now and outperforms any canti or V brake that I also have due to it's modulation and power. I even have one set up on an old Fisher procaliber chainstay brake set up where it really gets dirty. When it gets really gunked up I clean it as I always clean my bikes after a good wet run. The rollercam is a superior brake of great quality,performance ,design and durability. It is quite unique just as your Newsboy is. It would be a shame to replace it with the new "fad" of V brakes or the drag inducing disk.
Marc