Hi Guys , although I am a cautious man , and agreeing with thoughts re obvious ovality, bad old drum and totally in agreement with the spoke tension point let's not just agree with the MOT guy.
The place I use in liverpool is owned by a classic bike enthusiast and although He is strict ,He also applies rules sensibly and also will listen to the owner ,who He admits has invested a lot of time ,money and enthusiasam into his bike. He won't allow something dangerous but he also won't try to apply all current legislation to 52 yr old bikes (in my case) for instance he knew how awfull the rear cross over brake is ,and was prepared to make allowances ( not needed ,just about ) for it but also knew the front was a singlesided 8" which should be good and expected it to be up to scratch,which it was . He always adds it may be my mot station registration on the line but it's your neck.
So what I'm saying his that if rockthedog honestly feels the brake is good and in his own honest opinion ,without taking into account the urge we all understandably have just to ride our pride and joy's , I'd try somewhere else ,whereabouts is are you based ,maybe a forum member lives close by, if so ,who do they use? try that mot centre if no forum member let me know the area and I'll forward contact details for the local BSAOC club they will know who to use. If it still fails or even if it doesn't but the braking doesn't get better when linnings are run in a bit strip it down and get it checked . best wishes BobH.
