Originally Posted by John E
OK, engineering quiz for the day:
Why do even short-reach early Campagnolo sidepull brake calipers provide such poor braking performance? I have ca. 1980 Galli sidepulls which perform MUCH better than the Campagnolos, and mid-to-long reach (610 front, 750 rear) Weinmann Vainqueur 999 centerpulls which rank between the Gallis and the Campagnolos.
My Campy Monoplaner brakes are single pivot. They are strong enough to catapult my 149lbs over the bars. My 233lb brother rode my bike and said that they didn't stop him at all. Are you a big guy, that may have something to do with it. Like the OP said double pivot have a mechanical advantage also. Good luck.
Tim