"... these appear to have been fitted on mid-range bikes. This correct? I assume they are better than the 500's for the calipers are more stout and, so , could be a decent brake. I have calipers only, no levers. Can anyone point me toward possible sources of information?..."
Hi Richard,
I think the 605s were much better than the 500-730-810-etc. family. Many subtle improvements on bushings and washers, etc.
I believe they were a very late 1970s release and to my knowledge they were Weinmann's first attempt at a sidepull with a quick release. In this case, QR was attached to the left/upper arm - rather than Campy's right/lower arm [= cable anchor bolt + QR] arrangement. The steel QR mechanism is bolted onto the front of the arm and encircles a steel sleeve into which the cable adjuster threads. Carrera 400 was first to have Campy QR set-up - c.1981(?)
The Campy-style "wheel guides" are actually separate chromed steel pieces which nest in a recessed slot on the caliper arms behind the actual brake pad holder - just like on the Carrera 400 & Carrera 600.
One nice feature is the single Delrin double-bushing+washer unit which fit between the lever arms and which also passed through the pivot bolt holes on each arm -- keeps all the alloy surfaces isolated.
The levers I've seen them matched with were knock-offs of Campy Super Record, complete with drilled arms and vertical "WEINMANN" lettering stamped into the fronts.
I like them. Seem to hold adjustments better than Campy NR/SR even without Campy's toothed washer. As you guessed, they were priced between 500 and Carrera models - which were both being sold concurrent with these, and into the '80s.
Range of reach adjustment is 49-60 mm.
Weight per pair, with non-recessed (bolt on) pivots = 310gms... not bad! - less than Campy NR!
Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA