rc211

Anything you guys like out there that stops well and looks good from this era that beats the dia-comps?
(have the dia-compe Gs)

GordoTrek

I have a set of shimano 600 arabesque my trek that are pretty nice.. they stop well too...also have a set of 600ex that are really sharp, but I don't know how well they stop yet

eschlwc

i agree with gordo -- shimano 600. i have two sets on the '81 uni and '84 fuji. both look very pretty, but the newer '84 version stop almost as well as my dual pivot modern brakes on my other bikes. they do look better than those, and with kool stop salmon pads, there are no worries concerning power.

Chombi

Personally, for me, it's a tie between Spidel's LS sidepulls (the later ones with the finer satin finish on the calipers and levers and cable adjuster wheel at the calipers)



........and Universal's AER (black and silver version).


My Spidel sidepulls stop my bikes pretty good, but I have not tested the AERs yet. I love the look of Monoplaners, but never had the opportunity of owning a set, so I cannot really vote for them.

Chombi

anixi

French CLBs work pretty well, although, the first gen DuraAce are pretty good too.

bertinjim 

rc211- The CLB Professionels (short reach) stopped really well and a pair of Mafac LS (normal reach) worked well for me also. If you're thinking modern use, really consider replacing the old brake pads with something like Kool Stop. If you like Japanese equipment, Suntour Cyclones were beautifully made and very competent.

rootboy 

Best looking ? Campagnolo Record.

cyclotoine

best looking and best functionally are campagnolo record. THe diacompe gran compe are also nearly as good. I have to say I am a little surprised that people are touting the 600 arabesque. the model that followed them up were leaps and bounds better and the arabesque cannot come close to gran compe or record. Superbe were pretty much the same as gran compes... of course when the DA 7400 came out those set a new standard.

aixaix 

Truer words were never spoken. And there are no vintage side pulls that are substantially better performers.

Best performing vintage rim brakes (and possibly the ugliest) are Magura Raceline/HS33s. Not side pulls, but for function they are in their own league.

Let the arguments begin!

3speedslow

In the looks dept. I would go with the Universal mod 125. Nicely polished, low weight and has the brake adj behind the pads as well.

levers are sharp looking but hoods are expensive to replace. One note, at least for me, the lever handles are a bit big for my hands, I seem to have to reach out too much to grab hold of them.

Hope this helps.

clubman 

I still use NGC 400's with Mathauser pads and much prefer them to Record calipers with their too-heavy springs. Universal Squadras were decent single pulls too.

edit...look great too.

Michael Angelo 

I think Pad Material and rim type would dictate "braking performance".

nlerner

Weinmann Carrera

Michael Angelo 

I have 2 of those sets one NOS and the other may have 30 miles on it. The First GEN Carreras are beautiful. I should take a picture of them.

Bandera

Campagnolo Record.

CV-6 

Mechanical advantage of both the lever and the caliper must be considered. Also flex of the calipers.

Velognome 

Campy GS

Chrome Molly

+1 on 600's

I've also had decent experiences with Campy Victory and Record, but the 600 is every bit as good.

furballi

86 Shimano 600 is very good in term of performance and price when mated with modern Kool Stop salmon and brake pad holder. The downside is a strong return spring. The 87 Shimano 105 is also excellent with much lighter spring, although centering is a touch more difficult than the older Shimano 600.

MNTC

Campagnolo Monoplanar for best looking

Aemmer

I am staring at my current project. An early 80's frame. Trying to initially put it together with parts already in the bin which include a choice of either Superbe or 600 Arabesque brakes. Depending on the moment I go back and forth. The Superbe's levers and brakes are minty fresh but the Arabesque matches most of the drive train. Suppose if I love the bike it will get a different group eventually anyways... Anyways nice timely thread. Thanks

orangeology

i dare to second
*edit* : just learned these are not Monoplanar brakes. will leave the photo anyway, as they are still beatiful

2112YYZ

Dang those are sweet. When did they become available?

ascherer 

+1 for the NGCs. Ran a pair for ages and have them tucked aside waiting for a new project.

3alarmer 

Just to add one more thing to all the information here, besides modern composition pads and
attention to your braking surfaces, the new, plastic lined cable housings like Jagwire can
make a significant improvement by reducing friction between the housing and the cables.

I routinely run new housing on everything I overhaul for this reason.