David Stern commented:
>I just got my 69 White Raleigh Pro on the road for the 1st time. 1st
>thing I notices was how weak those Weinmann centerpulls are as I slowly
>rear ended a taxi in New York. No damage to me or bike. Would love to
>solve that issue.
and Jan Heine <heine94(AT)earthlink.net> replied: "The problem probably are not the brakes, which offer more stopping power than most from the era (if they are the commonly used 666/999 model), but the pads. Modern mtb pads fit fine. I prefer Matthauser pads. Does anybody know of a source for the slip-in Matthauser pads that fit into Mafac pad holders for centerpull brakes?"
Having two Raleigh Internationals equipped with said Weinmann centerpulls, I agree that the pads may be the problem. I'm using the Mathauser pads, but don't recall where I got 'em. Rivendell, maybe?
I'd also suggest that David check his brake cables and housings. Using modern cables and housings can really reduce the braking force required, especially for the rear brake. Might want to check the cable routing, perhaps, and see if that contributes to the drag.
As a caveat, I should add that my experience is limited to vintage brakes like the Weinmanns and Campy sidepulls, and semi-modern brakes like Shimano single pivot sidepulls.
Steve Kurt
Peoria, IL, USA