Needed: idiot's guide to setting up Mafac Cantilevers

[Tommy27]

Can someone give me a proper dummies guide or steer me to a link with a tutorial? I've never set up cantilevers before to give you an idea of how much guidance I might need.

Also I've got a set of replacement koolstop pads. The old pads look OK but are originals. Is it worth trying to change them straightaway and if so any advice on that?

 

[Peachy!]

It might be easier to explain if you first bolt them on, post some photos and notes regarding what it is that you’re not sure about, then we can point you in the right direction.

Also pad changing can be easy with the right advise, but again, show us photos of what you have.

 

[pigman]

Re:

Mafacs can be difficult if the braze on studs aren't made with mafac in mind, cos you can't move the brake blocks up or down, you can only alter the angle of attack. So, while the blocks may make contact with the rim, if the angle of inclination is not optimal, the braking power is compromised.

In terms of straddle cable length, a short length means a small movement at the lever gives a large movement of the calipers - good for ample rim clearance, but less leverage for powerful braking. A long cable will aid braking performance, but the blocks might rub the rims

 

[Jamiedyer]

Yes, agree with Pigman but will work with most and the Koolstop pads will be best put on before you set them up.
Then put a photo up of you set up once you have bolted the cantis onto the posts. It isn't hard and Mafacs are relatively easy I think.

Jamie

 

[legrandefromage]

Pictures pictures pictures - very similar to Froglegg which are also a bit of a faff

Teeny bit of info https://vintagebicycle.wordpress.com/ta ... ntilevers/

 

[non-fixie]

Good advice above. They are not that difficult to set up, but a third hand tool makes things a lot easier.

I have them on a few bikes, including my tandem. All with the original pads. Before mounting I like to clean them with a bit of sand paper (or a file, if they have too much of a non-flat shape to them).

Gratuitous pic of an English bike with MAFAC cantilevers, taken a few weeks ago in Italy:

 

[Tommy27]

The main problem I'm having so far is that I can only seem to get 2 of the pads onto the rim right now.

I've not even attempted to really remove the old pads, I don't have a vice or anything at mine. I live in a small ground floor flat and any matience generally has to take place in the garden.

 

[Tommy27]

The main problem I'm having so far is that I can only seem to get 2 of the pads onto the rim right now.

I've not even attempted to really remove the old pads, I don't have a vice or anything at mine. I live in a small ground floor flat and any matience generally has to take place in the garden.

 

[Old Ned]

Never realised Mafac made so many versions. I had them on my Dave Russell TT bike when I first got it. There was a passion for fitting them for lightness at one time. If the bosses aren't fitted in exactly the right position they can be a pain. I don't think I ever got the back ones to work very well. Somewhere I still have the bosses from when I had the frame converted to side pulls.

 

[pigman]

Re:

Liking the sinewy muscles Ned