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From: eirik@tekchips.UUCP (Eirik Fuller)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Aztec safety poll
Message-ID: <267@tekchips.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 6-Oct-85 03:36:41 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekchips.267
Posted: Sun Oct  6 03:36:41 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 7-Oct-85 03:28:08 EDT
References: <4300008@absolut.UUCP>
Reply-To: eirik@tekchips.UUCP (Eirik Fuller)
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 57
Keywords: Aztec, cantilever


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.