Crowdfunding: Classic Rene Herse Cantilever Brake

To make these brakes available again, we had to commit to another forging run. That’s a huge investment and only viable if there is enough demand. That’s where the crowdfunding comes in. The funding for the modern brakes (designed for modern canti posts) has been successful.

To make the classic model (for the posts on mid-century René Herse bikes), we need 20 pre-orders for this model by December 31, 2025. Then we’ll be able to include the classic Rene Herse canti brakes in this production run. If the project moves forward, you’ll get your brakes in about 3 months. What if we don’t reach our goal? Then you’ll get a full refund by January 15, 2026. Thank you!

Current: 12 (of 20 goal)

Many classic Rene Herse bikes lost their brakes when they were modernized. Sometimes we prefer to keep these modifications, especially if they were carried out by the Herse shop and form part of a history that spans many decades of continuous use. In other cases, the modifications are not appealing, and the bike is best restored to its original condition.

For these restorations, we offer our classic Rene Herse brakes. Compared to the modern version, they use different bushings to fit on classic Rene Herse canti posts, different springs (hole located at the bottom of the pivot), and a different straddle cable. Like the original, the straddle cable ends are machined from brass, designed to be silver-soldered onto the straddle cable. Eyebolts (steel) and nuts (aluminum), pad holders and black Kool-Stop pads are included. Since most classic bikes still have their straddle cable yokes and bolts to mount the brakes to the frame, these parts are not included. They are available separately.

Sold as set for one wheel, including two brake arms with pads (with black Kool-Stop pads) and hardware shown.