Bicycle Mechanics - Double pivot vs. single pivot brake calipers?

I've currently got some Dia-Compe single pivot brake calipers from the dark ages. Since I'm in the middle of a rebuild anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Is it worth spending money to replace the (working) Dia-Compes with dual-pivot calipers?
2. Is there a stopping advantage to dual-pivot calipers?
3. Do the dual-pivot calipers provide better feedback when braking?
4. Are any specific dual-pivot calipers a particular value for the $$?

Thanks!

I've currently got some Dia-Compe single pivot brake calipers from the dark ages. Since I'm in the middle of a rebuild anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Is it worth spending money to replace the (working) Dia-Compes with dual-pivot calipers?
2. Is there a stopping advantage to dual-pivot calipers?
3. Do the dual-pivot calipers provide better feedback when braking?
4. Are any specific dual-pivot calipers a particular value for the $$?

Thanks!I got diacompes I like, and some I don't.Since you have them it cost nothing to try em. I have lots of dual pivots in the junk box,not because they are bad,but they often weigh more and do nothing for me that good single povits don't.YMMV.

There are some nice models from tektro that work great. I have one of them on one of my bikes. My other bikes have sidepulls.

Which one to get depends on taste and fashion, mostly.

Sidepulls require more force and have trouble staying centered (aesthetic issue), but they are very reliable and will work even as the pads are dangerously low.

Dual pivots have to have tight clearance. They tend to stay centered better but the landing position of the pad varies as the pad is consumed.

If you are using ancient brake levers you may be better off replacing them with newer aero levers and new brake pads instead of replacing the brakes. Aero levers have a slightly higher mechanical advantage than the older levers which will improve braking.

I have single's with Koolstops and Duals with stock. I like how the single pulls back on the cable more than the dual when you release. The dual feels mushy by comparison, even tho the levers have helper springs.

A tossup at the end of the day, but I guess a really nice set of singles would be my choice.

There's a reason both Shimano and Campagnolo have moved to dual pivots, they work better! :D Campy reserves the dual pivot brake for the front on many of their groups because the extra stopping power is most useful there. Shimano just uses dual pivot on both ends.

My understanding is that these newer brakesets are designed with a specific lever in mind. Mixing new with old may lead to problems because the cable pull may not be appropriate.

Good luck.

Ed

The biggest, and really the only difference I notice is how much easier it is to center dual pivot brakes and keep them centered. I have a cheapo no name single pivots on my town bike and a tekro and 105 dual pivot on other bikes. The tekro and the single pivot feel the same, but the 105 seems better than both of them. It could just be the pads.