Weinmann Vanquers are strong calipers. Setup tips include the usual pad contact concerns (no excessive toe), plus the consequences and remedy of overtightened pivot bolts. It's sometimes necessary to dismantle them and sand down either the bushing flanges or arm mating surfaces to match the effectively-shortened pivot sleeves. The pivot sleeves can flare out and/or dig into the main arch if the pivot bolts are heavily tightened, and the only remedy is disassembly as described.
A home-made booster arch added to the front will further limit flexing if the lever travel is excessive (you'll need longer bolts). I've used these over the last 12 years for nearly all of my XC, CX and crit use, and mine are the 750's using the boost plate in front and aftermarket pads. The XC use really tested them with steep descents in wet conditions. They are not the easiest caliper to reassemble, but not that hard, either. Don't forget to polish them up and maybe lube pivots with Gripshift grease while you have them apart.
The 610's have more leverage but will exacerbate excess lever travel if too much toe-in is used. The stock pads are quite mediocre imo.
David Snyder Auburn, CA usa
Greg Thies asked:
> What's the group wisdom on Weinmann Vainqueur center pull brakes? I am
> building up a 1972 Paramount P-15, and these were the stock brakes. My
> experience is that the brakes are on the soft side. I am considering using
> MAFAC Dural Forge instead because I believe they'll perform better,
> especially since I weigh 225 lbs. The MAFACs are certainly period correct.