Relocating / Moving 'Up' Rear Brake Bridge

[tamaso]

How much of a hassle is it to relocate the rear brake bridge on a steel frame? (frame including brake bridge is TIG'd, if that matters)

Context: I have a frame where the single limiting factor preventing a larger tire size is the brake bridge location (fork and chainstay clearances are ample)-- pads are in the upper half of the slot on short-reach 49mm calipers. Is this a relatively painless alteration for a framebuilder to make, or more hassle than it's worth?

Sorry if this is the wrong area of the forums, just thought more builders would be watching here to chime in.

[Bill Bryant]

It is an easy job any competent builder can do in a few minutes.
Obviously the paint will get scorched for several inches to either side of the job. The cost of the repair will be fairly low, but not the re-paint, unless you want some sort of patching job.

Bill Bryant

[Vlad Luskin]

I had it done on a titanium frame by a local builder. A routine task -- for him.

[Rody]

It is an easy job any competent builder can do in a few minutes.

I'd like to meet the builder who can cut out a tig'd brake bridge, file/sand the stays smooth, fabricate and weld a new bridge in a "few minutes", and be proud to put his name to it.

I've done this many times, normally with a strip and repaint on steel frames or a bead blast and hand finish on Ti.

If I was "only" performing the mechanical portion, I would charge for two hours, at $75 per hour shop rate. This would cover the labor, new bridge, feathering the paint out, applying a quick primer for protection, and liability coverage for the work.

That should give you a ball park to expect when you begin to shop around for the work from professional builders.

[hmbatrail]

I'd like to meet the builder who can cut out a tig'd brake bridge, file/sand the stays smooth, fabricate and weld a new bridge in a "few minutes", and be proud to put his name to it.

Was thinking the same thing.

[Andrew R Stewart]

Probobaly the same guy who can "toss on the bike" an accessory or part. Last time i threw a part at a bike the paint got scratched and the part fell to the floor. :) Andy.

[tamaso]

Thanks for the feedback, all, much appreciated.

[cement shoes]

Tamaso,

I replied to your email yesterday or the day before. Let me know if you got my response. The quote I gave you is for a Paragon Machine Works bridge, brazed in.

Thanks,
Tom

[christian]

If I was "only" performing the mechanical portion, I would charge for two hours, at $75 per hour shop rate. This would cover the labor, new bridge, feathering the paint out, applying a quick primer for protection, and liability coverage for the work.

Having looked into doing this, I would consider this a very good deal. I ended up selling the bike instead.

[tamaso]

Tamaso,

I replied to your email yesterday or the day before. Let me know if you got my response. The quote I gave you is for a Paragon Machine Works bridge, brazed in.

Thanks,
Tom

This is why I love this place-- yes I did! Thanks for the quick follow-up. If/when I decide to go-ahead with this, I will be in touch and plan a trip up to Baltimore!

[cement shoes]

Hi Tamaso,

Sounds great! Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,
Tom