Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Elosix Rear Caliper Brake Adaptor (For kickstand mounting plate)

Just a quick introduction to this Elosix rear caliper brake adaptor. This adaptor is used to mount caliper brakes behind the seat tube on 20" folding bikes, using the kickstand mounting plate. By mounting the brakes at this hidden location, it does give the bike a cleaner look and is perhaps more aerodynamic than mounting it on top of the seat stays.

Elosix adaptor, comes with an M8 bolt, a washer, a spring washer and a square nut.

Mounted on a Dahon Mu Uno, with 1.75" tires on 20" wheels.

Using the double nut method of securing the bolt to prevent self-loosening.

Stock kickstand can still be mounted. A longer M8 bolt is required to thread through the kickstand and the Elosix adaptor.

Sufficient clearance with the left side crankarm

This mod is necessary for this Dahon Mu Uno, as the frame does not have any V brake mounts. Caliper brakes also cannot be mounted on the bridge between the seat stays as the seatstays are very tall and blocks the caliper brake arms. In the end this is the only viable method of mounting a rear brake on the Mu Uno frame.

Using this adaptor for 451 wheels might be possible, if slim tires are used. The frame may also affect the fitting of this adaptor. I have heard that this adaptor does not work on Tern bikes with 451 wheels due to interference. However, it may still work for Dahon bikes with 451 wheels.

The adaptor is made of aluminium, but it does look a little weak. It has been tested by riding and it works nicely, but I am not sure of the strength. Perhaps it would be a better idea to make the adaptor out of thicker aluminium or steel. After all, this adaptor is critical for braking and it must not crack or deform under load.

20 comments:

  1. I did come across this option while pondering the viability (and affordability) of 451 on my Speed P8. This seems like a easier alternative to the reach adapters on the 406 V-brake to fit 451.

    But I didn't get as far as to get a set as I bought a new 406 wheelset instead!

    As far as 406 is concerned, moving the brakes would also mean rerouting and cutting the brake cable and housing(I don't own a pair of cable cutters). A bit too much trouble for me then.

    Perhaps when I eventually move to 451 then!

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  2. Hi
    I am trying to look for solutions to mount caliper brakes onto my drhon vitesse D8 with 406 wheels, do you think this will work for me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I think it will work for you. Just buy and try it out.

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  3. Hi, I am about to buy a Mu Uno and I'm keen to attach a rear caliper brake. Could you post the link of where I can get the Elosix adapter from? I am in the UK so hopefully they ship internationally.

    Regards

    Ed

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    Replies
    1. http://s.taobao.com/search?q=EIOSIX+%D6%D0%B3%C5%CE%BB%D6%C3C%BC%D0%D1%D3%B3%A4%D7%F9&commend=all&ssid=s5-e&search_type=mall&sourceId=tb.index&spm=a214x.6760217.5803581.d4908513

      You can find some sources from this page. Not sure if they ship internationally. I use a shipping agent 65daigou.com to ship to Singapore.

      It used to be that they only accepted China credit cards, but I think some of the shops now accept international cards. Not very sure about this.

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    2. Anywhere that is printed in English?

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    3. Not that I am aware of. Not sure if Ebay or Amazon has them.

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  4. Where can I purchase one of these adapters and how much do they cost?

    -Doug

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    Replies
    1. Refer to the comment above for the Taobao.com link. The price is maybe SGD $30.

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  5. I just recently picked up a used Mu Uno and would love to get rid of the coaster brake as I just can't get used to it. Just two things though...

    1. Is there a reason you used a Tektro R559 instead of the R365 that is used for the front brake? Should I do the same, can I get another R365?

    2. The brand name for the adapter is actually Eiosix, not Elosix. by using the former in a search, you can also find this adapter on Aliexpress and even eBay!

    I'd also love to hear your thoughts on belts drives as well. Is it worth changing to one for a Mu Uno and was it hard to do? Any pros and cons? I'm still learning about this bike and want to make it the best it can be as it will be my only bike. Hope to hear from you soon!

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure if the R365 has the same reach as R559. If it is long enough it will be OK.

      For belt drive on the Mu Uno, the challenge is frame clearance with the belt. Probably not much advantage over chain.

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    2. Ah, OK. Well then I'll just work on finding a compatible freewheel hub and get the adapter for a rear brake then. I really, really hate the coaster. I'm also trying to reduce the weight as well so I'll probably change the seatpost too and just carry a mini pump in my bag.

      My Mu Uno came with a R365 installed on the front, so I thought maybe it might fit on the rear too, but I expect there is a lot more space between the kickstand mount and the rear wheel than the fork and front wheel. I haven't checked though.

      Thanks for the reply.

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  6. Hi again. I'm waiting for my Eiosix adapter from China and I was wondering if there were any extra tips I need to know before installing it? I'm currently on the search for Tektro R559s or R365s here in the UK too. I mainly want to ask you about the belt drive setup on your Mu Uno. I would like to do the same for ease of maintenance and I hoped you might be able to advice me on what I need and where to get it?

    I've read that SRAM do the Automatix 2 speed internal hub for gates belt drive, but I haven't been able to locate one. Also, I want it to be freewheel and I'm not sure what would be the best amount of teeth to go with the stock 52T chainring (unless you changed yours?). Hope to hear from you again soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can see if there is a local shop with Gates belt drive parts, else you have to get it online. I got mine mostly from Universal Cycles.com.
      The SRAM Automatix 2 speed internal hub should be able to accept a Gates rear sprocket, you just need to get the correct type of sprocket to match the hub.
      As for the gearing, it is up to your preference. You might need to do some calculations or testing on a multi speed bike to find out what is your comfortable gearing. After that, get the correct sized front and rear sprockets, and the correct belt length to get the gearing that you want.

      For the Mu Uno frame, you need to take note of clearance between the belt and the frame as described below. I think I used front 50T and rear 24T for the set up.
      http://handsonbike.blogspot.sg/2013/10/features-to-look-for-in-ideal-commuting.html

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    2. I came across another blog that also changed the Mu Uno to a belt drive. His set up looks better, you can reference from there too. http://faltradforum.de/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=530&hilit=mu+uno+due&start=10

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  7. Thanks tylsteve, that's really helpful. I've read of others doing this mod , but they have never been really detailed about it. I received the rear brake adapter this morning, so next week I'll see if I can locate a single R559 brake (harder than it sounds) and the hub. How has your adpater held up? Is it still going strong or have you switched to something else?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is still working fine, but I don't ride that bike often anyway.

      Delete
  8. SWright did you change the rear brake?
    Are you pleased with the mod?
    Is it straightforward, and what brake did you use?
    Thanks

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  9. So how is this adapter holding up? May use it too on my hybrid bike that doesn't have a mounting whole for the rear brake.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't have this bike any more, but I think it works well.

      Delete

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