In my previous post, I said that I used to use MAFAC brake blocks in Campy holders.
I was wrong, my credibility is shot and my memories from 35 years ago are starting to fade. ;-(
I just measured some Campy, Koolstop and MAFAC brake blocks. Campy and Koolstop blocks are 11mm wide at the top of the dovetails that slide into the holders. MAFACs are only 9mm wide.
I remember now, instead of MAFAC blocks in Campy holders, we used the 1st generation black Weinmann X-Block brake pads that came on Weinmann Carrera brakes. They had a softer rubber compound and stopped better, especially when wet.
Several times I recall filing or grinding down the dovetails on the Weinmann blocks to fit MAFAC and other makes of holder. We were looking for an easy solution to MAFAC brake squeal.
Over the years I read 2 different books or articles that said Campy brake blocks had the same dimensions as MAFACs. Most recently was on a British website discussing the history of MAFAC brakes. So, I went out and bought 2 sets of Koolstop brake blocks to use in some MAFAC brakes.
Oh well, I'll find a use for them...
BTW, The Jagwire "X-Block" brake pads don't stop as well as the original Weinmann X-Block pads. I still have several sets of Weinmann Carrera brakes from the 70s and the hard old block still work better than the Jagwire ones.
Also, Wayne Bingham from Velo Classique posted a message earlier that Koolstop is starting to make brake blocks to fit MAFAC brake holders.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
Todd Grantham wrote:
> Anyone have any experience using the Koolstop "campy replacement pads" in Mafac brakes? Everyone who sells them advertises that they fit Mafac brake pad holders but I don't see how without modifing the pad or the holder. How did you do it?
>
> Todd Grantham
> Fort Wayne IN