Re: [CR] Weinmann Brakes: 500 vs. 605

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

Date: Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:50:04 -0800
From: "verktyg" <verktyg@aol.com>
To: Daniel Artley <dartley@baltimorecountymd.gov>, <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <4B7BEB1D.CB1D.00FE.1@baltimorecountymd.gov>
In-Reply-To: <4B7BEB1D.CB1D.00FE.1@baltimorecountymd.gov>
Subject: Re: [CR] Weinmann Brakes: 500 vs. 605


I used Weinmann 500 brakes on several beater/trainer bikes in the mid 70s. They were very light, DIRT cheap and with the 4 block red brake pads stopped reasonably well.

In 1975 Weinmann introduced their Carrera brakes. I got one of the first sets to hit the wholesale distributor (Delaware something or other???). They stopped far better than any other side pulls of the day.

It was the black X-Block brake pads that made the difference! When they became available as replacements I used to modify them to fit Campy brake block holders.

Later Weinmann sold the X-Block pads in both black and red with or without the holders. The black ones seemed to work a little better.

The problem was ordering the correct ones from wholesalers since there was so much Weinmann stuff in the pipeline. We'd frequently receive the real old "7 dot" pads which were hard as rocks!

Jagwire has reintroduced the black X-Block pads in holders. They don't seem to work as well as the original Weinmann pads but then I weigh about 45 Lbs more than I did back then... ;-)

Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA

Daniel Artley wrote:

> Richard and all,

>

> I can't speak for the 605's, but the 500's can work as well as any racing brake I've ever used, easily matching the Campagnolo's in stopping power. Good pads on mine, Mathausers, the thin brass washers recovered from a sixties bicycle parts bin that Weinmann's used to come with, Triflow lubricated, plastic lined cable housing with the pressed stainless cable give great modulation and ability to lock 'em up. A pain in the a** to align, having to use two socket wrenches for the front and back nuts in balance, but otherwise great. Check out this front caliper I modified in my bike shop rat days of the seventies with a later quick release added. http://image10.webshots.com/10/9/36/60/129493660NlACAb_fs.jpg The only brakes I've found better that still modulate well are modern dual pivots.

>

> Happy trails,

>

> Dan Artley in Parkton, Maryland USA