| Frame repairs in the Kitchener area of On Canada?
Hi there.
I absolutely love the ride my ancient Miele Uno gives me. With the
cyclo-cross tyres and the mtb clipless pedals it is a great go almost
any where bicycle.
The Selle Italia XO Genuine Gel Saddle I recently put on it felt very
comfortable on the few rides I have gone on thus far.
The frame of this cycle was designed for 27 inches wheels. As such it
has great clearance for the 30mm wide knobby cyclo-cross tyres and
fenders.
However what is not so great is the side pull brakes. I know that
changing the brake pads to Kool Stop salmon should improve the braking
a fair bit.
I can easily put cantilever brakes on the front of the bicycle by
changing out the fork for one with cantilever bosses. That isn't a
problem since a) I have a source for a decent chro-moly fork and b) I
can do the switch over myself. Therefore that is a go.
The rear is a different matter. As I said I love the ride this bicycle
delivers and it is an absolute perfect fit for me. Some questions
regarding getting cantilever bosses brazed to the rear seat stays.
1) Is there a shop in the Kitchener area of Ontario Canada that can do
that? I have heard of one but can not recall the name and could not
find it when I searched.
2) Is this usually a very expensive job? The frame is cro-moly steel. I
am not worried about the damage to the paint as I am getting the frame
re-painted.
3) If this is done by a competent frame builder or frame repair person
will it weaken the stays any?
4) Would having cantilever brakes on the front and a quality side pull
on the rear be a viable as in safe option? I realize the rear brake
will not have optimum stopping power of a cantilever in mud or snow due
to grit and snow buildup respectively.
Please do not reply telling me to buy a cyclo-cross or touring frame or
bike as I simply do not have the funds to do that and I do love this
old bicycle that feels like an extension of me when I ride it.
Thanks from Peter
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