Dual Braking

d clark · Post by **d clark** » 2 Jul 2008, 7:04pm

Where to purchase a coupling to connect one front brake lever ( or cable)to both front and rear brakes.?
Required for a young cyclist with a prosthsis hand.
I have seen them used on tandems to operate rear rim and drum brakes.

Post by **Mick F** » 2 Jul 2008, 7:46pm

I know they exist.

When I was at Carlisle YHA on my way south on my way back to a Double E2E, I met a chap with only one arm.

Mercian had modified his bike for him. One thing I didn't consider was the braking system he had.

Sorry!

kwackers · Post by **kwackers** » 2 Jul 2008, 7:56pm

Can't be just as simple as two cables can it? I mean, how would you balance the brakes. You want to be able to get the best out of the front brake whilst not locking the back...

I'd imagine for safety reasons they could only apply a small amount of braking to the rear. In this case would it not be safer to actually forgo the rear altogether? (Since if you don't have much control over it...)

If it does exist I'd imagine it being a cable that pulls on a 'bar' whose ends pull on the two brake cables. By adjusting the position of the initial cable towards the front or back you could modify the ratio of braking. (Be a lot easier with hydraulics.)

stevew · Post by **stevew** » 2 Jul 2008, 8:09pm

Try the 'bent trikes people. Some use one brake lever to work both front brakes. Greenspeed or Hase methinks.

rualexander · Post by **rualexander** » 2 Jul 2008, 8:42pm

Have a look at this page of St John Street Cycles, the Twin Pull levers may be what you are after?

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/category.asp ... 0&sfile=1=

Only seem to be for straight bars though, if thats what you are looking for.
I imagine they could be set up so that the front brake engages first.

gaz · Post by **gaz** » 2 Jul 2008, 8:45pm

d clark · Post by **d clark** » 3 Jul 2008, 8:43am

Thanks a lot guys, it looks as if SJSC will be the answer. It is for a young lady whose bike has straight bars.

pjclinch · Post by **pjclinch** » 3 Jul 2008, 4:19pm

The Magura BIG is designed from the ground up as a singe lever dual brake system. Catch is that it's a hydraulic disc system, so you'll probably need new wheels too, and you're snookered if the frame doesn't have disc mounts...

Pete.

Cunobelin · Post by **Cunobelin** » 3 Jul 2008, 5:40pm

I had a Trice for years, and had two drum brakes operated by a ingle lever. By adjusting the barrels you can set them up how you like.

The only problem is that you will always have dual braking and cannot simply operate one, but given the options, this is acceptable.

Quickest and simplest answer that I found is a tandem brake lever as suggested above....

St John Street do left and right hand versions so you can sort things out whichever hand you want to use.

The other option will depend on the gearing required. It is possible to get a coaster hub gear....the gearing tends to be limited

Cunobelin · Post by **Cunobelin** » 3 Jul 2008, 5:41pm

I had a Trice for years, and had two drum brakes operated by a ingle lever. By adjusting the barrels you can set them up how you like.

The only problem is that you will always have dual braking and cannot simply operate one, but given the options, this is acceptable.

Quickest and simplest answer that I found is a tandem brake lever as suggested above....

St John Street do left and right hand versions so you can sort things out whichever hand you want to use.

The other option will depend on the gearing required. It is possible to get a coaster hub gear....the gearing tends to be limited

BlueMeldon · Post by **BlueMeldon** » 4 Jul 2008, 10:59am

I'm sure (but the mind plays tricks) that I've seen a foot brake that was mounted across the BB shellso you used the ball of your your left foot !
I'm sure theres a wealth of experience out there and you're sure to find a solution.

Rgds
BM

stevew · Post by **stevew** » 4 Jul 2008, 12:18pm

The Windcheetah uses a single brake lever to operate two cable brakes www.windcheetah.co.uk as reviewed in Velovision Mag this last issue.

Willpower · Post by **Willpower** » 4 Jul 2008, 1:45pm

Hi, don't know if it would be suitable for your application, but you could get round this by having a coaster (back pedal) brake on the rear. That way you only need the front brake on a lever.

d clark · Post by **d clark** » 9 Jul 2008, 2:54pm

Thanks again everyone.
The brake is now fitted. It is for a 11 year old girl with only a right hand.
Del C

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