I could not let this subject pass without coming to the defence on some of the comments made about Weinmann brakes. They were first imported into the UK in 1950 by Hobday and Brown Brothers and others. Many of the larger well known frame builders included them on their full bike specification .The earlier calipers were in light ,highly polished and in size numbers of 500 and 730 . But to say they low quality and cheap ,they certainly were not ,actually they were more expensive than many of the other makes at the time. In later years the polishing was ceased but the quality stayed the same. From fifty years of experience I can say Weinmann braking systems were a very popular and efficient used by tourist, racing men and the domestic cyclist alike . Another aspect of the short reach and its popularity was the transition period when both 26" to 27" wheels could be used in most frames. The 500 reach allowed the rider to use either size wheel without the problem of changing brakes.
It is true to say Weimann brakes have been used on all classifications of cycles for many years, changes in versions and patterns have been numerous but they have always maintained their high standard and safety against all other competition. The later Carrera was a great achievment at the time in its challenge to Campag , but whether that particular model would have stood the test of its predecessors we may never know ! They did appear on the more upmarket sports bikes in the later 70/80's but never proved popular when the likes of Suntour and Shimano came on the market.
I still use two pairs of the older type Weinmann calipers and quick release levers on two of my 1950's machines because of their excellent braking performance and still look to me "pretty hot silt"
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK