Classic & Vintage - Mafac Centerpull Brake Choices

I am working on the "650B Project" and dug out the box full of Mafac brake "junk". I have three types to choose from, the ubiquitous "Racer" (long and short reach), "2000", and the "Competition". Clearences right now with 700x28C tires is a scant 2mm inder the front fork, and 3-4mm under the rear (yeah, it is tight). I think the Competitions may to be too short once I manage to get the 650B wheels on them, but the others are not going to work with the temporary 700c version.

I really like the look of the 2000's, but I am finding that the srtaddle wires are basically one-of-a-kind and I am assured both online and from local LBS's that these wires are no more, so I am hesitant to use them for lack of replacements.

So, Racers? 2000s? Competitions?? What are the differences??

The 2000's I don't know.

I think the Competitions were a shorter, slicker designed version of the Racer. The Racer was the basic, Competitions higher-end. The Racers can use an old derailler cable for the crossover, the Competitions use a unique, double-ended cable too I believe, but I could be wrong.

I always found the reach on the Mafac levers too great for my tastes...

Mafac stuff is on ebay regularly.

I have made straddle wires for Competitions out of shift cables with short pieces of brass tubing soldered on as ends.

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/33729/2363186130068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2363186130068014369ZOJJgx)

The Racers are the oldest design, then Competitions, then 2000's. A set of Competitions includes one brake with a slotted mount that acts as a drop bolt, a feature that has come in handy for me.

You may find this helpful. The dimensions are given on the lower right.

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/broderir/Catalogs-Posters/MAFAC/1979/MAFAC_1979_02.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Dirtdrop
Any soldering tips? I have tried soldering the ends of cables to stop a SA clable adjusting barrel(can't stand those aftermarket replacements, they are cheap and fragile), and can't seem to get it to stick to the cable. Tried fluxes, all sorts of stuff but it just beads off. I ended up useing superglue. Sounds funny but it works really well. But still, its not solder...

not to hijack, but this could help out the OP to.

Dirtdrop
Any soldering tips? ...
Tried fluxes, all sorts of stuff but it just beads off.

"Just beads off" means the cable is not hot enough.

I have not decided between Modolo Speedy or Dia Comp Aero levers. I have always liked the Modolos, but am not sure how they will work with the center pulls. It may be some time before I get any tape on the bars.

So, Competitions over the 2000's??

Just beads off" means the cable is not hot enough.

Uhh, as I got more and more pissed I increased the heat untill it went beyond redhot. I should have said that I am generaly pretty competent as a welder, brazer, regularly solder things together. This just didn't work. I tried silver solder, lead, several botique speciality solders, fluxes, ect. Maby it just wasn't my day that day.