Tom:
Centerpulls do work great.
I would suggest Universal 61's of the three brands mentioned unless you could get some cool old MAFACs. GBs or Conloys would be the cat's meow but pricey.
What type/vintage is your Hetchins?
Charlie Young
Honeybrook, PA
> 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