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REFINED VINTAGE CENTERPULLS

Dura Ace Centerpull Brakes

I didn’t know I wanted these brakes until I saw them on eBay. I did know I wanted to center a new build on a collection of Dura Ace 7700 components I had on hand. But I also liked the idea of a large-tire townie, so finding these long-reach Dura Ace brakes fit the bill. Soon, they were in the cart and at my door.

I knew they were in a condition appropriate for 50-year-old components: in need of cleaning and polishing. This is one of the great advantages of buying old and/or aesthetically-damaged parts: you can get them cheap. With the right tools, know-how, and elbow grease, you can revive old components and turn them into something beautiful. Definitely the case for these brakes.

Looking them over, I saw evidence of less-than-refined manufacturing processes: ripples, seams, and rough edges in the metal. Fabrication, particularly Shimano’s, has come a long way since the ‘70s. It shows very clearly comparing these brakes to the 7700-series components from the ‘90s. But this presents an opportunity to not only revive the brakes, but to actually refine and improve them.

First step is disassembly. Filing the alloy parts came next, to remove the rough machining that lent an unfinished appearance. Transitions were smoothed, contours shaped, ripples flattened. Then, sanding with progressively finer-grit papers. Finally, shining with metal polish. A bath in rust remover cleaned up the brake hardware. Then, put it all back together.

As I hoped, the brakes look amazing and more in keeping with the other Dura Ace parts on the bike. Plus, they allow for 38c tires. They’re a big part of my Raleigh Grand Sport’s character, being unique and period-correct. And, they’re another example of something old made new again.