tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post1468023290278796576..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: Vafac Racers and Neat Brake ShoesVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-21479325046827033602011-01-17T02:49:05.025-05:002011-01-17T02:49:05.025-05:00The riders and competitions are always easy to obt...The riders and competitions are always easy to obtain, not raids. Raids can be much better for the 22 mm wide and wider tires. Perhaps a wider Vafac worth considering. Thank you.Dc Shoeshttp://www.treds.co.uk/manufacturer/dc/25/1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-86921969973378414772010-07-29T07:41:24.755-04:002010-07-29T07:41:24.755-04:00I wish that I can see some snaps of the shoes for ...I wish that I can see some snaps of the shoes for which you discussed that you received some revolutionary brake shoes from a company you work closely with.trainers shoeshttp://www.treds.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-48312848205047540962008-04-22T11:23:00.000-04:002008-04-22T11:23:00.000-04:00So who owns the MAFAC name anyway? I haven't seen...So who owns the MAFAC name anyway? I haven't seen anything with that label in at least 20 years. If no one is defending the trade mark, nor using it in production, it's pretty much fair game. Might not be worth paying a lawyer to check it out, but I'd love to see the name and spirit resurrected.K Matthiashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10302994067650991669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-7291874915517438302008-04-14T14:54:00.000-04:002008-04-14T14:54:00.000-04:00Thanks Cris, love your work!I have some questions ...Thanks Cris, love your work!<BR/>I have some questions that maybe you could help me with:<BR/><BR/>Could I mount my Racer's to the cantileverposts on my touringframe and get it to work if I swap from 700c to 650B, provided I ad some DIY adapter shim for the springs?<BR/><BR/>If not how do I get the brakes on a 700c frame to work with 650B wheels? <BR/><BR/>Does the cantilever mounts have to go?<BR/><BR/>Have a great spring!<BR/>PeterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-68873293695165052242008-04-02T16:14:00.000-04:002008-04-02T16:14:00.000-04:00Is it possible to use v-brake levers with Mafac ra...Is it possible to use v-brake levers with Mafac racers?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-8523087808815009082008-03-31T14:27:00.000-04:002008-03-31T14:27:00.000-04:00I'd like to add my voice to Nordic 88's comment re...I'd like to add my voice to Nordic 88's comment re the virtues of a canti post compatible design. <BR/><BR/>I like the XT cantis that I brought to my Mariposa but know it would better look the part with centrepulls.Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03205326636138161213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-60913390951877914202008-03-29T13:55:00.000-04:002008-03-29T13:55:00.000-04:00"In addition, the Mafacs always draw questions -- ..."In addition, the Mafacs always draw questions -- you just don't see people on serious rides these days with Mafacs!"<BR/><BR/>serious rides? what consitutes a serious ride? the PBP? 200k Brevets with 10,000 feet of climbing? or are by serious do you mean spandex, racer wannabes and club rides?<BR/><BR/>i ride my mafac racers on really nasty trails, long rides in all sorts of weather, etc etc. that kind of blanket statement is part of the reason why mafacs fell out of favor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-75288259384963523172008-03-28T19:02:00.000-04:002008-03-28T19:02:00.000-04:00David a dit...I have had this setup for a couple o...David a dit...<BR/><I><BR/>I have had this setup for a couple of years now - i.e., Mafac Racers with modern pads - and it works pretty well. The only issue I see is that a modern brake lever won't pull nearly enough cable. <BR/></I><BR/><BR/>Certainly not my experience. I'm using Shimano aero brake levers and Pauls Interrupter levers with Mafac RAID on my Kogswell P/R, as seen here:<BR/>http://tinyurl.com/yqtdag<BR/>and cable pull is just fine. I'm using them with KoolStop smooth post canti pads, and braking is absolutely first class.<BR/><BR/>--sfpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-84202753753412726662008-03-28T10:42:00.000-04:002008-03-28T10:42:00.000-04:00I have had this setup for a couple of years now - ...I have had this setup for a couple of years now - i.e., Mafac Racers with modern pads - and it works pretty well. The only issue I see is that a modern brake lever won't pull nearly enough cable. I used those really wide cyclocross cable hangers. Might want to just try and rig the geometry so that modern levers work better.<BR/><BR/>I liked the performance of my dual-pivot Campy calipers much better, but it's hard to put fenders and wide tires on using those. In addition, the Mafacs always draw questions -- you just don't see people on serious rides these days with Mafacs!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05127099879216538863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-2322507742616304732008-03-28T01:48:00.000-04:002008-03-28T01:48:00.000-04:00i love my mafac racers. i think when set up correc...i love my mafac racers. i think when set up correctly they are some of the best and most democratic brakes ever made (ie. they were on everything). if you repro these brakes all they really need, as has been said, is a nicer finish and maybe brass bushings. however, it might be interesting to come up with a "mafac more-betterizer kit" with brass bushings, better pads, and a stiffening bridge like some i've seen recently that spans the two pivots. also, a stronger center bolt and perhaps a rubber fitting that would allow the rear end of the pivot to rest on the fork blade, which would allow a great many people who already own and love mafacs to make them super-awesome without having to take their bike to the frame-builder for the braze-ons. plus the process of coming up with the kit might do double-duty as r&d for the brakes themselves should you pursue them.Toast Ghosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18015725751231353418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-43500487151945560002008-03-27T04:17:00.000-04:002008-03-27T04:17:00.000-04:00Chris. I think these could be really cool, but agr...Chris. I think these could be really cool, but agree that they only need some minor modifications and perhaps come as a complete package with a nice set of straddle cable hangers (ala Toei?) and nice F&R hangers.<BR/><BR/>But I have to plead with you about the name. Consider something more unique and ownable.seaneeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07062077325097666410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-10307079910327178012008-03-27T01:01:00.000-04:002008-03-27T01:01:00.000-04:00Why not a remake of the MAFAC GT model? Those were...Why not a remake of the MAFAC GT model? Those were probably the prettiest and the strongest version of their centrepulls.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-6856021527960078642008-03-26T19:12:00.000-04:002008-03-26T19:12:00.000-04:00I don't get it. Post shoes with pivots may be a g...I don't get it. Post shoes with pivots may be a good upgrade for decades old french parts, but let's not get in a rut with respect to new designs. Isn't this a case where improved technology can be appreciated?<BR/><BR/>The only sensible way to design a modern interpretation of an old brake style is to spec standard cantilever post dimensions (length and diameter) and standard V-brake threaded (perhaps even cartridge!) shoes.nordic_68https://www.blogger.com/profile/16681928489719451333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-46593592687105274592008-03-26T16:20:00.000-04:002008-03-26T16:20:00.000-04:00Cute names wear thin pretty quickly. Why not call ...Cute names wear thin pretty quickly. Why not call them simply "Velo-Orange" brakes? I'd love to see them with no markings whatever, but acknowledge that is perhaps not the best marketing angle.<BR/><BR/>The comment by one poster that MAFAC Racers mounted by center bolt are terrible could not be further from my experience. With Kool-Stop salmon pads they equal Shimano dual pivots. They are sensitive to pad placement; setting them too far from the rim weakens these brakes. I look forward to Velo-Orange's version.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-9259751331814013612008-03-26T08:53:00.000-04:002008-03-26T08:53:00.000-04:00Mafac brakes will fit on regular canti-bosses if:1...Mafac brakes will fit on regular canti-bosses if:<BR/><BR/>1) The bosses are brazed onto the proper position and with the spring hole above, not beside, the post.<BR/><BR/>2) The post is either cut down a few mm or shimmed with a couple of washers; Mafac post are a little shorter than canti posts.<BR/><BR/>Any frame builder should be able to install posts for Mafac brakes. Just be sure to give them the brakes ahead of time because Mafac brakes came in at least for "reaches" and several widths.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-13203196326624144572008-03-25T23:01:00.000-04:002008-03-25T23:01:00.000-04:00how about Orac for a name? or Melo?M Burdge(ORange...how about Orac for a name? or Melo?<BR/>M Burdge<BR/>(ORange + mafAC, and Mafac + vELO, respectively)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-56522200804259335712008-03-25T20:29:00.000-04:002008-03-25T20:29:00.000-04:00I have brazed on MAFAC Competitioncentre pulls on ...I have brazed on MAFAC Competition<BR/>centre pulls on my restored Bertin randonneuse. They are solid, easily modulated with lined cable runs, have brass pivot bushings and do not squeal. Braze on would be ideal if they could be arranged for the VO framesets.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-54085754017625613512008-03-25T17:42:00.000-04:002008-03-25T17:42:00.000-04:00I've used Mafac Racers on a frame that had them mo...I've used Mafac Racers on a frame that had them mounted on brazed-on studs and on another frame that had them mounted with a bolt like a side pull. It made a HUGE difference. The stud mounted Mafac brakes worked great. The center bolt models were terrible. <BR/><BR/>I would definitely suggest that the new brake try to use the same mounting dimensions as the Paul brake and using a standard canti stud like the Paul. <BR/><BR/>I like Vofac. <BR/><BR/>While we're adding to the component list why not:<BR/>1) A nice, polished silver hubset using cartridge bearings and normal diameter hub bodies. Seems like many hub bodies these days use an over sized center section that looks ugly, IMO. Ideally offer 130 spacing with a cassette body and 126 spacing for freewheel. <BR/><BR/>2) A remake of the Huret Jubilee but modified to work better with standard drop outs/deraileur hangers. It could appeal to both the friction shifting crowd as well as the weight weenie crowd. Maybe update the design a bit to use standard pulleys.<BR/><BR/>It would be great to see a nice, well polished, all silver traditional group being offered. You're quickly getting there.Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10767743759129493752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-22850341016364324372008-03-25T17:11:00.000-04:002008-03-25T17:11:00.000-04:00one can use canti studs for the mafacs but have to...one can use canti studs for the mafacs but have to 'turn them down' on a lathe/milling machine. obviously they go in a different place than cantis. diacompe also still makes the studs, i believeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-51476794377184348462008-03-25T14:54:00.000-04:002008-03-25T14:54:00.000-04:00Chris-what kind of brazeon would one use for the m...Chris-what kind of brazeon would one use for the mafacs-or your own version? I've been learning frame building and seeing your projects done with simpler lugs and whatnot gives me a warm fuzzy feeling ;-) I also like fillet brazing but it's fiendishly difficult to get the joints looking nice. Keep up the good work.yankee_dollarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01440582087070295095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-11114435403958182582008-03-25T14:32:00.000-04:002008-03-25T14:32:00.000-04:00How about: VOFAC?Any ideas for the text to fit the...How about: VOFAC?<BR/><BR/>Any ideas for the text to fit the acronym?CurioRandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18354443718492103119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-27241517332458517912008-03-25T12:41:00.000-04:002008-03-25T12:41:00.000-04:00I have brief experience with an actual "constructe...I have brief experience with an actual "constructeur" bike which had post-mounted Mafac brakes, and they were shockingly powerful and stiff--it felt as though all of the energy went into braking, not flexing.<BR/><BR/>Is that to be expected with a post-mounted centerpull? Any thoughts about posts for the VO-cps?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-36044339643477046932008-03-25T10:25:00.000-04:002008-03-25T10:25:00.000-04:00How about "Velofac"?How about "Velofac"?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-77126182391401520182008-03-25T08:59:00.000-04:002008-03-25T08:59:00.000-04:00Chris,I kind of figured that was the way it goes. ...Chris,<BR/>I kind of figured that was the way it goes. I was just wondering if these are going to become standard issue on the VO frames by the time my frame comes up late next winter.<BR/><BR/>ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-3914633723466954352008-03-25T08:23:00.000-04:002008-03-25T08:23:00.000-04:00I am 190lbs, use a shoddy improvised mounting syst...I am 190lbs, use a shoddy improvised mounting system (smaller diameter stainless tru-crown mounting bolt) for my racers, run the shoes at the bottom of the slots, and when I look down, under hard braking, I see flex, but it doesnt seem to effect my braking time. I have ridden the same fire roads, same steep dirt roads that I usually ride with my super solid steel mafac cantis, and never felt like the racers were not doing thier job, or could not do thier job. Also, I generally tour with at least 20lbs of stuff, and my bike is no light weight. In other words, maybe they flex, even flex like crazy, but so what? as long as they dont flex up into the tire, and stop me before whatever...<BR/><BR/>I bet that a good deal of the flex is from those crappy red bushings. I could be wrong though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com