Check out the BQ contest - figure out how the 1935 Schulz brake (shown at the link) works, receives a $60 voucher for books or magazines. The most complete, most correct answer wins. In case of a tie, the earliest reply wins.
You find a photo of the Schulz brake at
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/
Also, we now have Grand Bois rims in stock. They appear to be close copies to the venerable Super Champion Mod. 58 rims, which many consider the best cyclotouring rims ever made.
Box section, 23 mm wide, polished aluminum.
650B and 700C
36 and 32 hole
$ 70 ($ 65 if you buy 4 or more).
More info at
http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/
However, since these use a traditional profile with two small box sections, they don't tolerate super-high spoke tension well. So I am not sure how they would work with 8-, 9- and 10-speed rims. (Of course, super-high spoke tensions cause problems with other rims, too, such as cracking at the spoke holes of Velocity rims.)
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.bikequarterly.com