Classic & Vintage - brake options

I recently picked up a '69 Raleigh Super Cousre that I have been using for commuting. I love it! The brakes are terrible (then again I am use to 8" hydraulic discs). I am trying to decided if I should just upgrade or refurbish. The front is a Dia-Compe and the rear is a Weinmann 755 with Dia-Compe levers. I really would like good braking, doesnt have to be top level but good. I am open minded to non-vintage brakes but would of coarse like to stay somewhat period correct, although brakes are one place I wouldn't feel bad about having modern. I know I could make a huge improvment with just cables, pads, and some tuning but dont really want to spend the time if they are still going to be so-so.

So... opinions?

I was thinking maybe picking up some Shimano Dura-Ace or Suntour (Superbe?) and slapping them on with all new cables and pads...
Maybe Tektro (or Rivendell Silvers)...

Pads, cable, housing and adjustment will be much cheaper! And if you still don't like the performance, you can keep them and use them with your replacement parts. I'd go with Kool Stop salmons on the pads (either the continentals, or if you want more adjustability and have enough fork clearance, try some of the MTB pads).

Are you running alloy or steel rims? That could make a big difference.

If you decide to go with something modern, you'll need to ensure the calipers have enough reach. Also, most modern calipers are designed with recessed bolt nuts, so you'll have to drill your frame or find another work around.

I am going to do a refurb on the ones I have on there and see how they feel. After some more reading I see that aero levers are another option to improve the brakes.

I have my eye on a nice set of shimano 600EX brakes (front, rear, and levers) that are reasonably priced and am wondering is these would be much of an upgrade from the ones I have now?

New cables and housing, Kool Stop Continental pads, and Tektro R200 aero levers will give you plenty of stopping power. That all should set you back about $50 for the parts and is easy to do yourself.

Neal

Swap the calipers out for some Tektro dual pivots. Cheap and won't look too out of place.