Wondering if I might be able to stimulate a discussion.
By way of introduction, my personal motive - short term - is to make a good choice for brakes on a Hetchins rebuild project. This frame is coming with cable brazeons for centerpull brakes and since I dislike holes and bits and pieces that go nowhere I thought it was time to experience centerpulls.
Ive never owned a bike with them but have built a couple for Stone's Cyclery with modern levers, cables and pads and been impressed with how well they work. Pushing aside my ususal Campag snobbishness.......
What are the pros and cons? Mafac vs Dia Compe vs Universal? Which models are best functionally or durability wise? Are some variations more desireable from an esthetic point of view? Collectible/value? Serviceability/parts? And what about parts -rarely see these advertised - are they still in stashes and overlooked?
Theres a pair of what appear to be Mafac Tigers on Dales red Hurlow that are gorgeous - am I alone in this assessment?
Know a little about the Singer, Herse, Toei, Mariposa preference and have read the R Reader article.
What does this list think?
Thanks
Tom Rawson
Oakland, CA