My Big, Over-Sized, Mondo Front Brake // Paul Brodie's Shop 

At 62% and doctors saying you're "doing ok" is a glowing report! So wonderful to see you happily tinkering away again Paul!

The smile on Paul's face when he said..."today we are back on the Tiger Cub"...priceless!!! Always a happy time when a Paul and Mitch video drops on RU-vid!!! 🙂

Loved that moment you smiled and said you were glad to be back in the shop. It's great to have you back in the shop . Keep on the mend. Will be looking forward to seeing the next video.

I think I just enjoy listening to Paul explain stuff, no matter the content.

Had a recent scare after the wife had an emergency appendectomy. A very “ugly” ovarian mass was found and changed our lives for a time. Though it was not “a good fit” it is now projected to be something else that’s benign. But it really humbled us. Extending some grace to those struggling when I am not is one valuable thing I need to work on. I am very grateful for my online influences and, Paul, not to freak anyone out, but you are still prayed for daily. Loving the great news, content, and encouragement to stay in the shop... as usual!

I'm really glad you're back too! Enjoying every video, regardless of subject, must be the presenterer😁

At 23:27 Paul says: It’s good to be back in the shop again. We’re glad to see you back in the shop too.

Great to see you back in the shop Paul. The loose shoe pivot is so you hold the brake on and then tighten the nut to allow for any difference in the shoes, you won't have that as you are turning the linings, remember replacement shoes are made slightly undersize so that people can put them straight in without turning them down to fit. I would have thought you would have chosen a lighter hub than that for the Cub by the way.

As a bodyman of 30yrs, I pay attention to what parts and products go into building a personal vehicle for myself. I just noticed Paul you use all “high end” parts and materials to build your bikes….very nice 👌

Brilliant to have you back in the shop and great news that your treatments going well Paul. Good work!

It's great to have you back Paul. Good to see you in Shape and that Pleasant smile is Heart Whelming. Love all your Tutorial and Explanation.

Paul, you've got a good vibe in this video. Everyone is cheering you on.

Thank you so much for being such a beautiful human being...

Paul, it’s good to see you on video again! Your work in the shop while not feeling well is an exhortation and an inspiration to me! I truly hope your body heals from the cancer and heals from the cancer treatment. I just want to say I really enjoy your videos!

hi paul hope your well, those brake shoes with flats are called free floating shoes they are a kind of upgrade from the half moon which locate on the pole the floating shoe dose what it states it floats giving far better braking hope that helps with the info. Adrian.

Glad to see you back in the workshop! I wish you all the best with your recovery.

Good to see you back in the shop 👍. It's always a pleasure watching you work, take care of yourself 🙏.

Keeping busy is the best way to keep your mind off unpleasant things. Wonderful to see you working on the Tiger Cub again. As always , thank you for all the priceless repair tips Paul. All the best to you and Mitch! God Bless.

Great to have you back in the shop Paul. Thank you.

On some british drum brakes, the fulcrum part of the brake, is loosened while in the bike, and the brake applied, then the fulcrum is tightened, and the brake lever released. This is to centralise the shoes, within the brake drum.

I think you're right about the spacer going on the inside. Also I think the reason that piece didn't fit which you remade is because its not the correct part for that plate. Those were actually DUAL cam with linkage on the outside of the plate to synchronize them. Thats why the shoes were weirdly flat on both sides as you were pointing out.

Wish you all the best Mr. Brodie. It is good to have you back at shop with Mitch.

I recently saw a saying that goes along the lines of when your bike is broken you can fix it. When you break, your bike can help fix you. I’d say in your case it’s working. You look a lot more like your previous self now, great to see.

Get Well Paul. Luv the vid’s as I’ve learnt so much and it’s Ok to make mistakes ‘once’ 😂. Again you are doing an awesome job. Cheers from AUSTRALIA

So glad to see this video Paul and Mitch! despite what people say about laughter, I’ve found that projects are the best medicine. It’s too bad the front wheel has cost so much, but if you divide cost per pound, maybe the math is more agreeable? 😅

"It was 11:00 at night and I was spending money" - Every DIY mechanic/motorsport enthusiast ever. LOL

On old Harleys the post opposite of the cam is also floating. You then unlock it by loosing it nut, then grab the brake then it will center it self, and lock it down.. Thanks for another great video 🙏🏼

Bless you Paul. You're a joy to watch and listen to. Prayers to a 100 % RECOVERY.

Always a pleasure to be invited into your shop.

We're all glad to be back in your shop!

nice hub! the brake would be super easy to convert to a double leading brake

Long life to you and your passion Sir, glad to see you well

It’s really very good to see you back at it. Keep plugging away Paul!

Fantastic! ...on all fronts! The bike is looking amazing, and glad to hear the health is progressing too! 💪👍👏👏👏

I'm glad that you're strong enough to be back in the shop. I have something to add. Those brake shoes are probably for dual cam activation or single cam activation with a flat rest, that round shaft doesn't make sense. For spokes (J bend or straight) I've discovered by accident that at Aliexpress they have them in stainless steel (rims also) and are way cheaper and some stores also have free shipping you just have to search a bit. The flat screw head with the tooth serves as a clutch, when it slips you let go and all your spokes will be at almost the same length, it's almost a pre-centring tool - I like building wheels. Wish you a healthy speedy recovery.

Hey Paul, and Mitch, as always, thank you both! Great to see you Paul. Glad you're doing well.

Paul, it is so good to see you back in your workshop. I always liked the Sports Cub (as they called it in UK) it just looked ‘right’. I presume yours is called a Mountain Cub? I hope that great big front hub doesn’t unbalance the bike. I guess you’ve always got the small brake wheel to go back to if it’s necessary. Heal well, mate! Keep going on the projects! Les in UK

After spending all that cash on the wheel I would have replaced the wheel bearings with sealed bearings that will never need re lubing. I am in Australia and got two rims from India which were totally wrong for my 1959 A10 Golden Flash. Managed to get the correct rims from the Devon Rim Co. in UK. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing Paul and please get 100% well, we need people like you with such a wealth of experience to pass on to the younger generation. Kind regards Gerry

Good Morning Paul , great to see you back . I rode a Tiger Cub back in '64 , I passed my Test on one when I was 16 , and rode like I thought I was Immortal . The Brakes must do what they are intended to do , because I am here writing this . I think you will have too much brake for the Motorycle , [ but , what do I know ] , on saying that , you can learn to ride a Motorcycle with a Fierce Brake , but in a Panic stop , you may , like on a pushbike , go over the Handelbars . Like with anything , you ride to the Motorcycles capabilities . Best Wishes on Your Health .

Great to see you standing Paul, having projects and the desire to do them is so important, it keeps the spirits up. Take it easy, & thanks for sharing.

Glad to see you up and back in the shop Paul. Love your craftsmanship and videos. Look forward to your next story.

Thanks Paul, interesting video. I’m from the UK but have never actually owned a British motorcycle, other than a 2010 Triumph Thunderbird, which probably doesn’t count, as it was probably only assembled in the UK. The British bike industry was pretty much wrapped up when I started my motorcycling career in the mid 70’s, lots of friends at the time were still riding them but I always viewed them as pretty unreliable. There are one or two that I favour now but not to own. Funnily enough, I decided to try Harley at the age of 57 and now have two, as well as a couple of BM’s. Like you, I like being in my workshop, although it is very cold in the UK at the moment, so getting the shop warm is quite testing! I’m pleased that your recovery continues and look forward to future releases, your one of those ‘RU-vidrs’ that make me feel that I’m almost there with you. Thank you.

Glad to see you in the shop with a smile on your face! Thank you both!

Good work Paul. Glad to see your doing ok.

Yes, I can believe $1000C for a front wheel. I’m a few hundred miles south of you, in Portland. My reasoning: Figures are from memory: $50 for a 36 hole hub (shimano XT) $38 for spokes. (36 + 2 spares) $40 for a rim (Sun Rhyno-Lite) $43 for a tire (Schwalbe Big Ben raceguard.) $7.50 for rim tape. $15 for a tube. $15 for a tire liner. $15 for a 180mm brake disk. ------- $223.50 for the front wheel (26inch) on an Ebike.

Missed the video about you getting sick, really sad to hear it. Keeping a positive outlook is one of the best things my cancer doctor said. I got diagnosed in june with a sarcoma in my left bicep which resulted in losing 1/2 of my bicep, doing radiation everyday. I've also been diagnosed with multiple myeloma too but neither are a death sentence plus if the army couldn't kill me during my 20 years I doubt cancer will. Get well soon, your videos are a wealth of knowledge.

Fantastic to have you back. I started racing a tiger cub in 1970 in school boy scrambles. Love watching you build your one.

So glad to see you back on your shop!! That smile on your face makes more happy my day!! Glad to see you working, glad to see your videos every week again! Stay strong Mr. Brodie!!

Nice to see you back in your workshop and good to hear doctor say your doing ok. Looking forward to hearing the Cub come to life

Mr. Brodi: I have seen two people go through chemo. Both of them were weak and sickley all the while. I would say that you are doing A 9 out of 10. You have a lot of people on your side. Including me. You're going to be OK. I just know it. I was worried about you for a while. But not anymore. Please accept this great big manley hug.

That type of brake is called a floating shoe brake. The fulcrum pin is loose in the hole so that you can assemble the brake without tightening the nut and then apply the brake fully before tightening it. This ensures that the brake shoes are centralised. I have a parts book for a 1965 Triumph 350/500 twin that shows an exploded view and parts list for the front wheel that I believe is the same as yours. I can send you a copy if you wish. This might help you ensure that you have assembled all the spacers etc in the correct order. Please note that there are supposed to be steel thrust pads between the brake shoes and the fulcrum pin which you appear to be missing. The Triumph part number is W1415

Bless you Paul, I'm glad you're feeling some better. Chemo can be rough, but radiation is worse. Regards, Duck

Paul l am so pleased that you are doing well. Sending you my best wishes. Thanks for the great video once again.

10:00 In my humble opinion it is always worth heating the hub up when fitting bearings, doing this means you are a lot less likely to have the bearing 'shaving' material off the hub. EDIT...I should have watched to the end before posting my comment! The hub is made out of steel, having good brakes is a great idea but I'm not sure that I'd be happy with the increase in 'unsprung' weight on such a small bike.

Paul, So good to see you back in the shop, your work is inspiring. Glad you're on the mend too. As a boat builder, tool maker and engineer I can relate to all you do. Coffee is on it's way my friends.... Paul Maselli, "TheMobileBoatwright"

Paul glad to see you back, When it comes to the cancer I have two words for it “F*ck Cancer” and my motto for it Illegitimi non carborundum! (Don’t let the bastards grind you down!) As for files you can’t download if you have an iPhone or iPad you can create a PDF of it by selecting the little box with the arrow in it and selecting Print -> open pinch flick-> Save to File or on a PC use the Print to File function and save it as a PDF. Just a FYI if you ever need spoke nipple lube just get yourself a tube of engine assembly lube with moly-graphite. On a side note I prefer other than stainless steel nipples especially with stainless spokes because it reduces the chances of the spoke and nipple from galling. With regards to the sloppy fit of the pin/hole in the backing plate it has been two score since I owned my last Triumph motorcycle but I seem to remember a bushing that went in the hole to keep the backing plate from wearing and the pin from seizing up. That said I was not the original owner of any of the Triumph 500’s or Bonneville ‘s I owned and they had all been run hard and put away wet and treated like a government mule before I owned them but I seem to remember all of the bikes having a bushing in the backing plate. (Like I said that was a long time ago and perhaps I am not remembering correctly for the 4 Triumphs I have owned but I can say for certain that the last bike had a bushing because I have a picture of me at an old friends shop making a new one. I also shaved (sanded a slight bevel into the leading edge of my brake shoes) it was something an “old timer”/mentor showed me.

So glad to hear the doctors say you’re doing okay! Love the videos, they have taught me so much! Looking forward to the next one!

Thanks Paul, If you were a watchmaker then maybe I would go back to wearing watches..but as it is, it's fine. Always inspirations! And Mitch,..thanks as well!😊

Fantastic to hear your treatment is doing well, watching your wheel building reminds me of my father building wheels. All the best always.

G'day Paul, I think you should be OK with a 1-cross pattern on your wheel spokes, because the hub diameter is so big. I believe the greater distance between the spoke heads will spread the weight load more favourably, just like a 3 or 4-cross pattern on a smaller hub. It's also good to hear that you're getting better. Keep up your recovery. Andrew

We live vicariously through you both 😁

Always think positive. I had 7 months of chemo and came out fantastic. You can do it too. I just kept on telling myself I can beat this I can beat this. Can't wait for the next video

Great to see you back Paul in the shop doing what you and we love 👏👌always forward to when the bell rings that your videos is available Cheers Chris

Glad to have you back in the shop Paul! Now for the brakes. I am no expert but it looks like a double leading brake. Usually the have the same cam and an external linkage connecting the two cams together. The brake line is attached to one of them and when you pull the brake both cams are activated and stops the bike. The same technology is found on YAMAHA SR400. It looks like the undersize part is (maybe) from the rear brake assembly. Also dont buy chinese stuff. They are cheap but poorly made and bad quality. Try sourcing a used 12V horn from a japanese or european bike or ask if any viewer has a spare on that doesn't want to it and he/she is willing to send it to you

Great to have you back! I'm glad others have the same thought process on ghe totting up of sub sections....it's all irrelevant as we know what look & parts we need to achieve it. Anything else just won't do! Hello from the UK by the way, Central Wheels are in Coleshill which is around 8 miles from where I am based. It's quite a small world sometimes!

Glad you are back on the tools Paul

I really enjoy watching you work, my friend. Thank you!

Good to have your videos again. Cheering for improvements! Big hug here from Brazil.

The British making good things. It's always amazed me that they can make something so far ahead of its time and such extreme quality and with the same breath make something so incredibly crpy and backwards. Just be sure you don't brake so hard you go over the handlebars or worse flip the bike. You got a lot of brake for a very lite bike. 😁

Yes, the workshop can be a sanctuary. Thanks for the videos - well filmed and informative. I may just tackle my next set of rims myself but I could be tempted to use a battery drill to save my wrists! Coffee on it's way....

You reignited my Cub building enthusiasm with your wonderful videos.. Good health.. and challenging projects

As you've found out the later Cubs used the forks from the larger 3TA, 5TA bikes. Earlier Cubs used the Bantam type forks. Pity you couldn't source a brake plate from a Tiger 90 as (I think) they were TLS. Anyway, the SLS will stop the Cub MUCH better than original which was pretty weedy. I only used Cubs for trials so didn't want a powerful front brake but even then it was sometimes barely sufficient. Interesting that you paid more for the wheel than we did for a whole bike back in the day.

Glad you're back in the shop too Paul

Much empathy for your exchange rates and freight cost challenges. Purchasing British bike parts and having them shipped to Australia has been the source of much waiting and much sticker shock (or rather, credit card shock) for my Ariel build. Love watching your videos.

Thinking of you at this time! Stay strong ❤️🇬🇧

So nice to see you back and showing us interesting things Paul .

The Workshop Brodie is back 🤘👋😀

So relieved you're doing well. The projects are interesting: cub, sprint, excelsior... Nice.

That is one sharp looking 'restomod' Tiger Cub!🐅

As soon as i heard "tiger cub" 😃 yayyy ! brilliant ,that wheel will be invincible paul 👍 the whole bike will anyway ! thanks for this latest instalment you guys ,bless you both dynamic duo,

Man that Cub is beautiful, and with that mondo brake drum you should be able to stop on a dime and make change! You two are the best and Paul your about as tough as woodpecker lips ;)

Good to see you back. Wheel building, something I find very relaxing. And yes the spacer (bearing support ring) does go in first, although I thought the triumph full width hub also had a large flat washer (grease retainer) before the spacer.

Don't worry, I'm in Australia .. We undergo the Minibucks syndrome too ;) The Chinese stuff is either, $5.95 with $4 Postage, or $9.95 with free Postage, so wrap your head around that one

It's good to see you back at it and in your shop again.

So happy to see you working in your shop again and to see how happy it makes you. That stainless rim is actually quite purty! Thanks for all the gems on where to get spokes and that spray paint!

And here is Paul in his natural environment! It's really good to see you back in the garage :) Fingers crossed for the rest of your treatment process!

All the best Paul, take care.

really enjoy your wheel building, don't know if I could use a steel hub. but looks good.

I can't wait to hear it! Mine sounded awesome! My other bike, soon after was a 1950 B33, which sounded amazing as well. Modern singles could never sound the same.

Great to see you up and about, always love your videos. Continued prayers for Healing , Recovery and Comfort 🙏

I'm so happy to see you back in your shop! Thank you for sharing!

Awesome watching you work Mr. Brodie. All the best with your recovery.

Glad to see a new video from you. Keep that attitude and you will be fine. Thank you!

Hi Paul! Glad your getting better! Ipray every night for abunch of people, many like you who I've neever met but who I see there program's on internet. You give me a great deal of enjoyment and education. THANK YOU!

Again top Video and the tinkering, priceless !! Looking forward for the next Video to see the wheel balanced and other great problems, oh I love when problems keep popping up and than Paul has to solve them, happy days !!! Glad you are doing well 💛 🍄🌺🌹🌸🍀🌼🍀

Very good to see you feeling better and able to get out and tinker in your shop. And I’m happy to hear our US dollar is doing good but being retired and on social security I just don’t remember what a dollar looks like.❤️🏍

Good to hear and see you doing well

That screwdriver design is great!

Nothing about motorcycles building is cheap.., best of luck n well recovery ❤️loved the mod, got inspired, thank you

Hey Paul……. Great to see you back on the tools again 👍