matt@absolut.UUCP (10/01/85)
in an response to an article, tekchips!eirik writes: >Warning: be VERY careful before buying Aztec cantilever pads; the ones >I bought were standard pads, with aluminum rods threaded over the top >of the studs. Threaded rods are weak enough when it comes to bending; >the aluminum didn't help. The rod simply cracked during installation. >Luckily, the shop where I bought them was nice enough to take them >back and pass on my complaints to the distributor. I don't know if >Aztec has fixed this problem. This is a VERY serious accusation; has anyone else experienced this? If you use Aztecs, send me the approximate number of miles of commuting, touring and racing you've done (ballpark figures will do), up to any failures, catastrophic or otherwise, or the mileage safely put on Aztecs, and I'll summarize to the net in a week or two. matt "I accept all responsibility for the above mistakes. However, I accept no punishment for said mistakes." Matt Leo {ucbvax!cbosgd!ima!cfib, decvax!cca}!absolut!matt Absolut Software 617-232-8377 2001 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02146-4227
eirik@tekchips.UUCP (Eirik Fuller) (10/06/85)
I posted an article a while back in which I reported a problem I had with Aztec brake pads. I wish to clarify my statement, since it seems that my original statement was unclear. The pads I bought were intended to be used with cantilever brakes, or perhaps Mafac racer brakes (they use the same type of pad). Cantilever pads have smooth (unthreaded) studs, held in place by clamps. My statement, as worded, may have suggested that the pads I bought were not intended for use with cantilevers. It was intended to describe the construction of Aztec cantilever pads. The pads I bought WERE intended for cantilever brakes. Aztec cantilever pads have aluminum studs threaded onto steel threaded studs, much like the ones used on standard brake pads, leading me to believe that an Aztec cantilever pad is a kludgy adaptation of an Aztec standard pad. In any case I see no other explanation for the threads in the setup. The problem I had did not occur during riding conditions; the stud cracked during installation, unable to withstand the bending force exerted by the clamp which holds the pad in place. The dealer who sold me the pads told me that the problem I experienced was reportedly a drawback of Aztec cantilever pads. When he ordered them, the distributor told him that the problem had been fixed. This may be true, but apparently the ones I bought were made before the problem was fixed. So, the ambiguity of my original statement seems to have spawned a poll. I wonder if the poll will include such relevant information as whether any of the pads in question are installed on cantilever brakes. Just to make it explicit, let me state that I never had any intention of suggesting that Aztec pads with standard (threaded) studs have any problems. I have no experience with them, particularly since I use Mathauser pads on my bikes with standard brakes, and my complete satisfaction with them has been reason aplenty not to try others. By the way, the original Mathausers have the spherical adjustment washers which allow adjustment of toe-in. Such washers were the topic in the discussion which initiated this one. As I understand the Mathauser situation (correct me if this is wrong), the original Mathauser pads have been discontinued, and their replacement is an inadequate substitute. One feature in particular which was omitted in the newer version is the rounded shape (convex on the top and concave on the bottom), which follows the curvature of the rim. The adjustment washers were also discontinued. If this information is accurate, it provides a very good argument for buying (standard) Aztec pads. I probably won't do so soon, since my Mathausers seem to be lasting forever. I apologize for any confusion I have caused. Mail me the flames if I have failed to clear it up.