This is the cherry on top of your bicycle restoration. Nicely finished brake tracks are a small detail that separates a professional looking restoration from a so-so job. If you really want to take your restoration to the next level, check out my video on restoring vintage tires: [ Ссылка ]
Links to key products used in the video from Amazon:
Fine Grit Sanding Sponge (320 or finer): [ Ссылка ]
Isopropyl Alcohol (with handy sprayer): [ Ссылка ]
Park Tool WH-1 wheel holder: [ Ссылка ]
Schwalbe Tire Levers (the absolute best): [ Ссылка ]
This is how I resurface rim brake tracks on vintage bicycles. This process works with any aluminum alloy bicycle rim that is within wear limits. Note that I trued this wheel beforehand.
Bonus content at the 4:40 mark if you want to convert a Schrader valve rim to Presta valve tubes The Right Way.
Why resurface rim brake tracks? There are really only two reasons I can think of:
1. To optimize performance when installing a new set of brake pads.
2. To create a great aesthetic for your bicycle restoration.
Creating a nice fresh surface for brand new pads to bed into isn’t completely necessary, but it does remove old pad material residue and gives the new pads a fresh surface to bite into. Keep in mind that some more deeply grooved brake tracks may need more aggressive grit sanding. Also make sure that the rim you are working with has a safe amount of material left on the rim. If the rim you are working with is so thin that the brake track itself is warped, it's time to replace it.
All of my top level restorations leave the shop with resurfaced brake tracks. Some customers want a bike ready to display, unridden. Others want it ready to thrash, brakes bedded and good to go.
Other products used:
- Isopropyl alcohol (any drug store)
- Paper towels/rags (grocery store)
- Harbor Freight vise and mount (yep, HF)
- Velox rim tape (LBS or web)
- Wheels Mfg Schrader to Presta adapters (Wheels Mfg or LBS)
- Panaracer Dart front tire (LBS or web)
- Liquid Death mountain water (web)
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