While doing the DIY hidden caliper mod, the one thing that I was most apprehensive about was running the brake line (how, where, what). After finishing the caliper mount and installing it on the bike, I experimented over and over with the stock line trying to come up with a solution that would allow me to rotate the caliper (up/back) for bleeding. It was obvious that the stock line was the right length for this, but the damn caliper banjo bolt was just not angled correctly (obviously not new news). So I ordered a new Spiegler line, STOCK configuration with their adjustable ends, in black of course. http://www.spieglerusa.com That allowed me to perfectly align the caliper banjo and loop the line accordingly without twist. From the factory set angle, I adjusted it a c'hair at a time (maybe 10 deg) and kept checking until the angle was just right. Now the banjo attaches to the caliper, loops under the swing arm and is angled just enough to keep a slight amount of pressure against the swing arm to hold it in place, but no twist whatsoever. I looped it gently so it's just kind of sitting there naturally now. It's also held in place, together with the brake reservoir hose, using the stock frame clamp. After assembly, everything rotated up/back for bleeding with no problems.
For the caliper "tab", I milled up a new one as opposed to reusing the cutoff. Cutoff tab was a bit to short. A friend did the welding (lunch money). Masked all functional areas and painted with high temp, gloss brake cal. paint
Spiegler line works wonders. Looks good too.
NOTE: Don't know if anyone else, who bought these lines experienced difficulty when adjusting/rotating the fittings......the kit comes with a couple of plastic vice "adaptors" to clamp around the crimped ends and a plastic rod to insert into the banjo opening for leverage. I tried unsuccessfully many times to clamp tight enough, using these adaptors but the line kept spinning. No matter how much I reefed on the vice handle. So I cut a 1/2" wide, 1 1/2" (or so) long piece of alum roof flashing (I think it's .009" thick) and wrapped it around the crimp and then used the plastic thingies in the vice. Worked like a charm.
Thanks to everyone that has previously posted info on the Hidden Cal. Greats ideas, tips. Pics along the way.....
