Tektro R559 Calipers: Your 27-inch to 700c Conversion Guide

When embarking on a bicycle restoration or a wheel size conversion, finding the right components can make all the difference between a smooth-riding machine and a frustrating project. One common conundrum for enthusiasts is upgrading older frames, often designed for 27-inch wheels, to the more common and versatile 700c standard. This seemingly minor change in wheel diameter introduces a significant challenge for your braking system. Fortunately, products like the Tektro R559 caliper brake set have emerged as a go-to solution for this very specific problem. But beyond their renowned long reach, a frequent question arises: does the Tektro R559 caliper brake set come with those crucial 'moon washers' for precise pad alignment?

Yes, indeed. The Tektro R559 caliper brake set, like most quality brake calipers designed for rim brakes, typically includes the necessary concave and convex washers – often referred to informally as 'moon washers' or spherical washers – for mounting the brake pads. These washers are absolutely essential for achieving proper brake pad alignment and toe-in, which directly impacts braking performance, feel, and the longevity of your rim and pads. Without them, it would be incredibly difficult to position the pads correctly against the rim, leading to uneven wear, squealing, and inefficient stopping power. Their inclusion ensures that you can fine-tune the angle of the brake pad relative to the rim, which is a critical step in setting up any caliper brake system effectively.

The Conversion Conundrum: Why 27-inch to 700c Needs Special Brakes

The primary reason the Tektro R559 has garnered such a strong reputation lies in its ability to bridge the gap between different wheel standards. Older road bikes, particularly those from the 1970s and 80s, were frequently built around 27 x 1 1/4 inch wheels. Modern road bikes, however, almost universally use 700c wheels. While the difference in diameter might seem small – approximately 8mm (27 inches is roughly 686mm, 700c is 622mm bead seat diameter, but the overall inflated tyre diameter is closer) – it's enough to throw off the brake caliper's reach.

Brake reach refers to the distance from the centre of the brake mounting bolt hole on the frame or fork to the centre of the brake pad's contact point on the rim. When you swap a 27-inch wheel for a 700c wheel, the rim sits lower in the frame/fork dropouts. This means a standard-reach brake caliper, designed for 700c wheels (typically 39-49mm reach), simply won't extend far enough down to meet the rim of the smaller 700c wheel. This is where long-reach calipers, like the Tektro R559, become indispensable. They are specifically engineered with an extended arm to accommodate this difference, allowing the brake pads to properly engage the rim.

Introducing the Tektro R559: The Long-Reach Solution

The Tektro R559 stands out as one of the few readily available and genuinely effective long-reach caliper brakes on the market, offering a reach typically ranging from 57mm to 73mm. This generous adjustability ensures that it can accommodate the varying requirements of different frame geometries when converting from 27-inch to 700c wheels. For many vintage frame restorations, where the original brakes are either worn out, unavailable, or simply don't offer the required reach for a 700c conversion, the R559 is often the only viable and aesthetically pleasing option.

Beyond its crucial reach, the R559 is praised for its robust construction. Crafted from aluminium, these calipers offer a good balance of strength and weight. They are designed to be durable and withstand the rigours of regular use, making them a reliable choice for daily riders and weekend enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, their good price point makes them an accessible upgrade or replacement, offering excellent value for money without compromising on essential functionality.

Key Features and Specifications of the Tektro R559

• Reach: 57-73mm. This is the defining feature, crucial for 27-inch to 700c conversions.
• Material: Forged Aluminium. Ensures durability and a lightweight profile.
• Mounting Options: Available in both nutted (recessed nut) and Allen key (hex bolt) fittings, catering to various frame and fork designs. Most modern frames use recessed nuts, while older frames might use a traditional nutted bolt.
• Brake Pads: Supplied with standard cartridge-type brake pads. While functional, many users find upgrading these pads enhances stopping power significantly.
• Weight: Approximately 180-200g per caliper (this can vary slightly).
• Quick Release: Features a quick-release mechanism on the caliper for easy wheel removal.

Installation and Adjustment: Getting the Most from Your R559s

Proper installation and adjustment are paramount for optimal braking performance. While the Tektro R559 is relatively straightforward to fit, a few key steps ensure safety and efficiency.

1. Mounting the Calipers: Securely attach the calipers to your frame's brake bridge and fork crown. Ensure they are centred over the wheel. If your frame requires a traditional nutted bolt, ensure the nut is tightened securely. For recessed bolt types, ensure the bolt is fully seated and tightened.
2. Cable Routing: Route your brake cable smoothly from the lever to the caliper. Avoid sharp bends that can increase friction.
3. Brake Pad Installation and Toe-In: This is where those 'moon washers' come into play. Slide the brake pads onto the caliper arms, ensuring the concave and convex washers are correctly positioned on either side of the caliper arm eyelet. This allows the pad to pivot slightly. Adjust the pad height so it makes full contact with the rim's braking surface, avoiding contact with the tyre or spokes. Crucially, set the 'toe-in' – this means positioning the front edge of the brake pad to touch the rim slightly before the rear edge (about 1-2mm). This helps prevent squealing and improves braking modulation. Tighten the pad fixing bolt securely once adjusted.
4. Cable Tension: Pull the brake lever to take up slack in the cable, then secure the cable at the caliper's anchor bolt. Fine-tune tension using the barrel adjuster on the caliper or lever.
5. Lever Feel: The brake lever should feel firm and return crisply. If it feels spongy, check for cable friction or improper pad alignment.

Optimising Performance: The Pad Upgrade Advantage

One common piece of feedback regarding the Tektro R559, as highlighted by many users, is that while the calipers themselves are excellent, the supplied brake pads can be improved upon. This is a minor point, as brake pads are consumables and easily replaceable. Upgrading to a softer compound pad, or a more renowned brand, can dramatically enhance stopping power and modulation.

• Softer Compounds: Pads with a softer compound (e.g., some salmon-coloured Kool-Stop pads) offer superior initial bite and better performance in wet conditions. They tend to wear faster but provide a noticeable improvement in braking feel.
• Harder Compounds: Conversely, harder compound pads offer greater longevity but might not provide the same immediate stopping power.
• Brand Recommendations: Popular choices for upgrade pads include Kool-Stop, Jagwire, and SwissStop. These brands offer various compounds tailored to different riding conditions and preferences.

The beauty of cartridge-style pads, which the R559 uses, is that you only need to replace the rubber insert when worn, keeping costs down in the long run.

Maintenance for Longevity

Like all bicycle components, regular maintenance will ensure your Tektro R559 calipers perform reliably for years to come.

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the calipers and pads periodically to remove road grime, dust, and brake dust. This prevents build-up that can affect smooth operation and pad life.
• Cable Inspection: Check your brake cables and housing for fraying, rust, or kinks. Replace them if necessary, as old cables can significantly degrade braking performance.
• Pad Wear Checks: Routinely inspect your brake pads for wear. Most pads have wear lines; replace them before they wear past these indicators to prevent rim damage.
• Pivot Lubrication: Apply a small amount of light lubricant (e.g., bike chain lube or light grease) to the caliper's pivot points. This ensures smooth movement and prevents seizing.
• Bolt Checks: Periodically check all mounting and adjustment bolts for tightness. Vibrations can cause bolts to loosen over time.

Tektro R559 vs. The Alternatives: A Quick Look

While the Tektro R559 is a dominant player in the long-reach caliper market, it's worth understanding its position relative to other options, even if they are fewer in number or at a different price point.

The table highlights that the R559's defining characteristic is its reach, which sets it apart from standard calipers and places it directly in competition with other niche long-reach brakes. Its value proposition is generally very strong given its performance and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tektro R559

Q: Can I use these brakes with modern road levers?

A: Yes, the Tektro R559 calipers are designed to work perfectly with standard road bike brake levers, whether they are integrated shifter/brake levers (STI) or traditional non-indexed levers.

Q: How do I know if I need long-reach brakes for my conversion?

A: The easiest way is to install your 700c wheel into the frame/fork. Then, measure the distance from the centre of the brake mounting hole down to the centre of the rim's braking track. If this measurement is significantly more than 49mm (e.g., 55mm or more), you will need long-reach calipers like the R559.

Q: Are the R559s suitable for touring or heavy loads?

A: While robust, they are single-pivot calipers. For very heavy touring or extremely demanding conditions, some riders might prefer cantilever brakes or V-brakes (if the frame has the mounts) for their potentially greater stopping power and mud clearance. However, for general touring and daily commuting, the R559s are more than adequate, especially with upgraded pads.

Q: What tools do I need to install these brakes?

A: You'll typically need a set of Allen keys (usually 5mm for the mounting bolt and 4mm for the pad bolt), a 10mm or 12mm spanner for the cable anchor bolt, and potentially a cable cutter for neat cable finishing. A third-hand tool can also be very helpful for holding the calipers closed during cable tensioning.

Q: How often should I replace brake pads?

A: This depends heavily on your riding conditions, frequency, and pad compound. Inspect your pads regularly for wear indicators. In general, they should be replaced when the grooves are no longer visible or if they become hardened, glazed, or contaminated with oil.

Conclusion

The Tektro R559 caliper brake set is a highly recommended product for anyone undertaking a 27-inch to 700c wheel conversion on an older bicycle frame. Its essential long reach (57-73mm) directly addresses the common issue of brake pad alignment with the smaller 700c rim, making it a pivotal component for such projects. Its robust construction and sensible price point make it an excellent value. And yes, for clarity, they do come with the vital 'moon washers' to ensure proper brake pad toe-in and optimal performance. While an upgrade to softer compound brake pads is often recommended to unlock their full stopping potential, the R559 calipers themselves are a solid, reliable, and well-made solution that looks good and performs admirably. For those specific restoration or conversion builds, the Tektro R559 remains an undisputed champion.

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