My vote for an older Hetchins is Mafac. Hetchins sold bare frames, and Mafac parts were very common in the UK from what I understand. A typical 60's or early 70's Dural Forge model (OK, even the Racers) can be set up to stop like crazy. Its a bit hard to get them not to squeek.
With soft original MAFAC pads I've ridden bikes with Mafac centerpulls that seem to have worlds more stopping power than Campy sidepulls. I ride a bit here in Colorado on dirt mountain descents where speed build ups are a problem - lots of switchbacks and all sorts of nastiness - and a bike set up with Mafacs just gives a lot of confidence. But - if you use those no-name Mafac look alike pads that melt under heat, then you will certainly perish. Mike "once scrapped an entire brake pad off a rim" Kone
At 01:36 PM 3/6/02 -0500, Beyer Jr., Chris (C.C.) wrote:
>Tom:
>
>Given the origins of the bike, my vote would go to GB centerpulls, such as
the 66, which are quite aesthetically pleasing. Nowhere near as common as
DiaCompe/Weinmann/etc., but they're out there and not hideously expensive
if you look around. Personally, I think either Mafac or Universal would
not be appropriate for a Hetchins. Hilary Stone, Martin Coopland, Pete
Paine, and others are good resources for some of the British bits which
didn't make it to this side of the pond in large numbers.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>Chris
>_________________________________________________
>Chris Beyer
>Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
>Customer Relations
>Rockleigh, NJ USA
>
>Telephone: 800.550.5658
>E-mail: CBeyer2@volvocars.com