>Can anybody tell me if Mafac Criterium cantilevers will fit modern
>brazed on cantilever bosses? This is the type with the three
>tensioning holes.
As far as diameter and length of the boss are concerned - YES. I have switched from relatively modern (1990s) cantilevers to Mafacs and back. For spacing (how far the bosses are apart): With original pads, the Mafacs need bosses that are spaced a bit further apart than many modern cantilevers, it seems. Modern, thinner pads will reduce that distance. Most bosses today are offset to the inside, because mtb forks have their legs very far apart. (I have a Mercian with Cinelli fully sloping crown and canti bosses, where the bosses are closer than one would like. Still works great, but not with original pads.)
Basically, before you do the work, make sure your forks leave enough distance between rim and fork leg to fit the brake pad...
Also, I have absolutely no experience with V-brakes and the associated parts.
>Can original Mafac brazed on frame bosses still be purchased?
Ask somebody like Mercian who have been in the business for a good while.
--
Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/