It seems to me that the levers would make a lot of difference in your decission. First, Universals without the gum hoods, are both ugly, and non-ergonomic. Second, as I recollect, most Mafacs have a longer reach than the others mentioned. Third, Weinmann and Dia Compe both work OK without hoods, and still look good as well. And, I think their hoods might be easier to come by. There were also some short-reach levers for people with small hands, which I think were made by Weinmann or Dia Compe. Then there were the Shimano centerpulls, sometimes available as Tourney, and sometimes even as Dura Ace. Yes, Dura Ace centerpull brakes. I believe I still have a pair, maybe of each. For a Hetchins though, I would lean toward the Weinmann or GB centerpulls, preferably the nicer, older ones. Just another sampling of my humble opinion.
"Bicycle Mark" Perkins Fresno Cycling Club - Historian Fresno, California, U.S.A.
On Wed, 6 Mar 2002 18:20:41 -0600 "Thomas R. Adams, Jr."
<KCTOMMY@msn.com> writes:
> Choice of lever is important with any brakes if you're looking to
> improve braking performance. I set up my International with Zeus
> Alfas and Campy GS levers, and performance was mediocre. As my
> weight topped 240lbs, downhill stops were getting rather scary. A
> switch to sticky modern cantilever pads helped, but not enough. I
> was contemplating switching to aero routed levers for the added
> mechanical advantage (a favorite Sheldon Brown tweak) when Rivendell
> listed some standard cable routing Dia Compe levers with built in
> quick releases, designed for centerpulls and cantilevers. I wanted
> them for the releases, and hoped they would improve my braking
> performance. Well, the first ride with the new levers I managed to
> lock up a wheel on the first stop (the rear, fortunately). I am
> more than pleased, and recommend experimenting with levers to
> improve braking performance. Alas, Rivendell ceased carrying these
> levers, but they were fairly common so you might be able to find a
> pair. I assume an aero routed lever would give similar benefits if
> era specific parts aren't mandatory. And the Zeus centerpulls work
> fine with no squealing (Thanks to Nelson Miller for supplying the
> front).
>
> Tom Adams, Kansas City
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: youngc@NetReach.Net
> Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2002 12:42 PM
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR]Centerpull brakes
>
> 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
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
> _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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