brakes for a 27" x 1 1/4 wheeled daws shadow

[dasy2k1]

I have a c1980s daws shadow that has steel 27"x1 1/4 wheels and is fitted with cheap single pivot side pull caliper brakes.
unfortunately the braking performance of these is less than satisfactory and in the wet all they do is squeal with no noticeable breaking (as i ride in Manchester thats most of the time)

im looking to improve this but cant afford the many £££s it takes to buy a new front wheel with a hub brake (my ideal option)...
there are no lugs to fit cantilever or V brakes

ive been looking for a cheap half decent dual piviot caliper but i cant seem to find anything with enough clearance to fit my frame (somewhere between racer and tourer with space for a front mudguard (there was one fitted but it folded itself into the wheel once at 20mph and has never been replaced! ) )

does anyone have any suggestions?

[fivebikes]

Tektros are good.

http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sk ... lliper_Set

These allowed me to fit new 700c rims to my old Claud Butler when I changed from 27s.

They work well and should match the drop needed with your current wheels with the option of upgrading to better wheels later.

Cheers

[robgul]

Changing to alloy wheels would make a world of difference compared with steel - there are some bargain wheelsets around - a change to 700c size would be preferable and then fit Alhonga long drop dual pivot brakes. Excellent results - that's what I have on my 1975 Galaxy and a couple of 1982 machines too.

The proposed solution may seem expensive but it's an investment in keeping the bike on the road ... and 27" tyres are becoming less common, although still available - 700 tyres will probably be cheaper

Rob