I have put Mafac Racer center pull brakes on my very Japanese Nishiki mixte (after removing the crappy Diacompe sidepull she came with-- I know it is not making her a French bike-- but there is really no better brake set for a mixte or similar vintage bike). They are lovely and stop much better! I will post a picture after my poor bike gets a bath. She is really not feeling photogenic after being ridden every day lately in the rain/snow. How do you guys get such nice pictures of your rides? Do they never get dirty or do you properly photograph them before they go into service?