Replacing Tektro brakes with Dia-Compe AD-990s

[Stevo]

I am looking to replace the standard Tektro brakes that come on many bikes these days, with Dia-Compe AD-990s as they are OS and still seem good brakes. Not too pricey either.

Do you think they would make a big difference? The Tektros are ok, but if I get my bike shop to fit the DCs I like to think my braking power would be improved greatly. Tyre taps and nose picks would be a lot easier. I would run Tech 77s levers too.

I see some FS-990s on eBay – are they mid-school?

Cheers

[TwoBobRob]

Yeah, originally the FS990 was for the front as I recall - different cable clamps and stuff.

They are better than Tektros, they don't flex as much. however, clean rims, the right blocks, nicely adjusted springs and oiled cables make all the difference really.  I'm running ADs on my bike now, the stock green blocks are too hard for the rear at least. I bought some Clarks blocks from Halfrauds (£6 a pair) and whacked them on, jobs a goodun 

For your info, ADs, FSs, Hombres are basically just all dirivatives  (sp) of the good old AD.   

[Biggeorge]

Are you running a gyro?
If you are, I cant recommend enough getting shot of the splitter cables and running a london mod or similar and 2 seperate cables on the bottom and a dragonfly gemini/snafu cable or modulever on the top.
The performance difference is amazing.
Give us a shout if you need any advice on setting up the dual cables.

[Stevo]

Yes I am running a gyro. Never seen this set-up before biggeorge, if you have any pics or links please post. Cheers

[Biggeorge]

You can see the twin cables on the bottom here...


heres the link to the london mod
http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?cPath=32_55&products_id=2310

heres the top cable
http://www.alansbmx.com/product_info.php?cPath=32_55&products_id=552

drop me your email if you like and ill send you a review of a custom one of these I made with setting up instructions.

[Stevo]

That was quick, thanks for that. Is that a Haro Sport 06 re-issue with a new paint job? Great looking bike. Will look even better when you add the stickers.

Funnily enough the new brakes are for my Sport also.

I am tempted to get this cable set-up when I get the bike serviced at the end of the year.

Cheers

[Biggeorge]

cheers, yeh its one of my few sports, theres more pics in the haro section in the museum. its got white tuffs on it now and a new seat, just waiting on the stickers. drop us a line if you need any help with the set up.

[Stevo]

Sent you a PM for the info. I doubt my bike shop will know how to fit this, so the more info they have the better.

I wish Alans was local. 

Thanks again for you help with this. 

[Biggeorge]

no problem
the london mod is a lot easier to do than the mod ive made, all youve got to do is bolt it in place and run the cables.
Try to cut the outers as close to the same lenght as possible, and start from the brake and work forwards with your adjustments, ending at the lever.

[motomagII]

ive got the oddysey london mod piece if you deicide to got hat route .the bit at the bottom whre 2 cables go in to adjust em up