Originally Posted by
auchencrow
+100.
If you still have the stock Weinmann Calipers and levers, you will find they're quite adequate especially with your alloy rims and Kool Stops. BUT as with any brake, they have to be set up correctly.
They only thing I would add to jyl's advice is to replace the housings as well as the cables - and finish the turkey-wing-ectomy while you are at it. (Take the (usually red) pivot out of the lever body and cut it flush at the shoulder, so they won't protrude into the hoods.)
You have a nice bike there - well worth some TLC!
Thanks! I replaced the housing as well as the cables. Instead of grinding down the red pivots, I decided to opt for a pair of used Suntour Superbes I found on eBay, which feel pretty solid. And I like the drilled-out look. The hoods fit pretty well now too. One of these evenings I'll try taking the calipers off of the bike, disassemble, wash, grease, etc. I noticed my back caliper is missing a nut and the bolt gradually works a bit loose on rides as a result. Anyone know what sizes these tended to run for Weinmann for replacements?