C
Cletus Lee
Guest
One of my constant battles withy Lightning P-38/F40 Voyager has been achieving decent braking power.
First off the OEM Odyssey A-brakes spec'd on the front were pathetic. The Shimano XT on the back
were not much better. I replaced the front first with Avid which were modified to reverse the cable.
Better, but nothing to brag about. next I replaced the modified Avid with CaneCreek DC-5 which could
be easily mounted left or right. These were only slightly better than te Avid and the rear still
sucked! I replaced the rear with CaneCreek DC-5 but still had a mushy feel. In discussing this with
other P-38 pilots, I came to the conclusion that the problem might be entirely in the OEM Ritchey
Logic (special LCD bend) brake levers. Since the special bend was essential to fit the shap of the
LCD handlebars. I was reluctant to replace with straight levers.
A few weeks ago, I noticed the CaneCreek DC-5 rear brake was rusted to the point of non functioning,
so I decided to replace everything with some Shimano matched levers and V-brakes. Taking a cue from
Cyclegenius and Bacchetta, I routed the front cable down the left side of the headtube and around
behind the fork to sneak up on the brakes from behind. To achieve the destinctive LCD bend, I put
the brake levers in a vise and applied an appropriate tap with a BMF hammer.
I have brakes!!! I have the best braking since before I first got the Lightning. I can skid tires! I
can lock bothe wheels! I can stop.
And I guess I had better since I have rambled on long enough.
--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager http://www.clee.org
- Bellaire, TX USA -
First off the OEM Odyssey A-brakes spec'd on the front were pathetic. The Shimano XT on the back
were not much better. I replaced the front first with Avid which were modified to reverse the cable.
Better, but nothing to brag about. next I replaced the modified Avid with CaneCreek DC-5 which could
be easily mounted left or right. These were only slightly better than te Avid and the rear still
sucked! I replaced the rear with CaneCreek DC-5 but still had a mushy feel. In discussing this with
other P-38 pilots, I came to the conclusion that the problem might be entirely in the OEM Ritchey
Logic (special LCD bend) brake levers. Since the special bend was essential to fit the shap of the
LCD handlebars. I was reluctant to replace with straight levers.
A few weeks ago, I noticed the CaneCreek DC-5 rear brake was rusted to the point of non functioning,
so I decided to replace everything with some Shimano matched levers and V-brakes. Taking a cue from
Cyclegenius and Bacchetta, I routed the front cable down the left side of the headtube and around
behind the fork to sneak up on the brakes from behind. To achieve the destinctive LCD bend, I put
the brake levers in a vise and applied an appropriate tap with a BMF hammer.
I have brakes!!! I have the best braking since before I first got the Lightning. I can skid tires! I
can lock bothe wheels! I can stop.
And I guess I had better since I have rambled on long enough.
--
Cletus D. Lee Bacchetta Giro Lightning Voyager http://www.clee.org
- Bellaire, TX USA -