Conference noted::bicycle

    My own feeling about drop bolts is one of paranoia, but on the other
    hand perhaps they're no worse than long reach brakes would be.

    I have long reach Campy record brakes on a Holdsworth Special frame
    and have avoided getting drop bolts and shorter reach brakes for this
    reason.  Certainly brakes are no place to mickey mouse around.

    If the metal quality were *really* good, perhaps they'd be OK.

    - Jim

    
    How timely (see 3.170).  I too am interested in drop bolts but didn't
    know until now what they're called.  The owner of Gamanche's in
    Fitchburg showed me one he has (for $20 ea. I think).  I am wary of
    them too but they look like they're machined from stainless steel.  Not
    sure the amount of drop they provide.
    
    rb

    Campy drop bolts were for $18 when I last seen them, they are however 
    for the record groupo and I am not sure if they are compatible with
    chorus. Cyclopedia could have some in stock.
     Either way the braking will become mushier. Your best bet is buy extra
    27" rims and save money for a new frame. 
    
    Good luck
    Ed S.

    Campy drop bolts now run $30 each!  Naults & Sons in Manchester NH had
    some in stock so I drove up to take a look - I took the brakes with me.
    There was only one style of Campy drop bolt listed in the "book" to which
    Dave, the owner, referred.  Turns out that
    they were a perfect match in most, but not all, respects.
                  __
          -------|  \
          -------|   \
                 |   |          <-------- one side includes groove for
            ^    \   |------              spring
            |     \__|------
            |
            |            ^
            |------------|
           each end threaded
           about half of its
           length
    
    The end going through the calipers was the correct length and thread
    pattern.  The other end was correct for the front brake - just the 
    right length to work with a recessed bolt going into the fork.  The
    other end WAS NOT CORRECT for the rear brake - too long for use with
    a recessed bolt.  So, a proper piece to match the curvature of the 
    rear brake bridge and provide a flat surface for a nut will be needed.
    Or, this end of the bolt would have to be shortened and the threads
    taken in closer to the beefy center - could be difficult as these
    are not made out of a soft alloy.
    
    These Campy drop bolts are VERY beefy.  I doubt that they will add
    much mush to the brakes' normally solid/responsive feel.
    
    While looking over these drop bolts I noticed some nice 27 x 1 1/8 
    tires with Kevlar belt hanging on the wall.  I think they are Matrix
    tires but I'm not certain.  Anyway, was either buy the drop bolts and
    rebuild my wheels with 700 rims because I couldn't find decent 27"
    tires, OR ....   I bought the tires.
    
    Bob
    
    

    Two other non-Campy bits of info...
    
    A friend found Dia-Compe drop bolts listed in a Cycle-Source catalog.
    They were $29 each.  One model for the front and a different model
    for the rear.  There were no details about brake compatibility given.
    
    The same friend is investigating the possibility of having some frame
    work done at Belmont Wheelworks (Belmont, MA).  He was down there over
    the weekend and even discussed the cost of lowering the rear brake
    bridge on his Puegot frame.  He was given an estimate of $80 to do the
    metal work.
    
    As of today, my plan is to proceed with 27" wheels (with new tires)
    so I can continue to use shorter reach brakes on my longer reach frame
    for this season.  Then, in the late fall, I'll consider a new frame
    (I'm dreaming) or modifications to my current frame (lowered rear brake
    bridge and new fork).  I'm about due for a new paint job anyway.
    
    Bob

    It's perfectly OK to cut and thread a Campy bolt -- just make certain
    you find someone with the right tools.
    
    I raced for years using a drop bolt on the rear, without any problems.
    You're right about the beefiness.  If anything, the Campy brake with
    a drop bolt was stiffer than the Universal it replaced.
    
    Justin

    ref: .6
    
    Now that you mention it...
    
    Any suggestions on where to look for "the right tools".  Should I
    expect just any ol' bike shop to know what's needed, have the tools
    on hand, and be able to do the work?
    
    BTW, thanks for confirming that this setup actually works.
    
    Bob

    	Re - .6
    
    	Hey Justin, would you consider selling your campagnolo drop bolt?
    
    	- Patrick...

    Gamanche's in Fitchburg still has a few of the Campy dropbolts left for
    $18.  
    
    rb

    	Thanks...
    
    	Will try to contact the shop in Fitchburg...
    
    	I wonder if Justin sold his C-record hubset yet?
    	(I've already bought his wheels!)