Bicycle Mechanics - Dual-pivot vs. single pivot brakes?

Another question as I rebuild my "favorite" old frame.

I have some really nice Suntour Superbe Pro brakes, single pivot of course. Should I replace them with Shimano Tiagra dual-pivot brakes. I have both but the Suntours are so much better looking and lighter too (I think).

Are dual-pivots that much better?
The Superbes seemed to work great for years.

Opinions needed.
Thanks,

Blake

well after introducing Dual Pivot brakes, campy now
has Record single pivot brake available again,
that tell you anything? It does me.
I'd keep the Suntour set and put some good
pads on it. Kool Stop is good and
Scott Mathausser are excellent if you can find em.

Marty

Originally posted by Bikedud
Another question as I rebuild my "favorite" old frame.

I have some really nice Suntour Superbe Pro brakes, single pivot of course. Should I replace them with Shimano Tiagra dual-pivot brakes. I have both but the Suntours are so much better looking and lighter too (I think).

Are dual-pivots that much better?
The Superbes seemed to work great for years.

Opinions needed.
Thanks,

Blake I have used DPs and have gotten rid of all of them. I don't need the extra braking they MIGHT provide, and the single pivots are lighter. No way would I consider tiagra DPS over superbe pros or even suntour cyclones.

I'm not real familiar w/the Superbes. The biggest advantage of dual pivots (IMO) is they stay centered over the wheel, whereas single pivots always had a tendency to pull off-center and become cock-eyed. I imagine some careful wrenching would alleviate that problem. Also (not a dual pivot thing), in the mid 80s, Shimano modified their brakes w/springs in the levers as well as the calipers, which made for lighter lever action, and better lever return (didn't require a strong spring at the caliper just to operate the lever). The Superbes may have that feature as well, I dunno.

But replace them with Tiagra? Never! :eek:

Originally posted by roadbuzz
I'm not real familiar w/the Superbes. The biggest advantage of dual pivots (IMO) is they stay centered over the wheel, whereas single pivots always had a tendency to pull off-center and become cock-eyed. I imagine some careful wrenching would alleviate that problem. You are right it does.

I have first-generation (single-pivot, of course) Campag. brake calipers on the Bianchi, and had considered their performance unacceptable (with Shimano pads) to marginal (with KoolStop pads), until I replaced my rims with NOS Campag. Omegas. I am also tempted to try Sheldon's salmon-coloured KoolStop pads, which are made with Matthauser rubber.