Originally Posted by
smd4
I value both appearance and function. But that's just me. YMMV.
It's all relative. Certainly, by outward appearances, it doesn't really look any different than any other housing. Unless you like the look of coils under the plastic. And while it might compress very slightly, it compresses far, far less than coiled housing (perhaps we should call that "springy housing?").
By "performance," I mean that hardly any of my energy is going into compressing a coiled housing. Coiled housing moves considerably when you squeeze the levers, resulting in a spongy feeling that I never liked; Compressionless?--not so much. Meaning I can easily actuate my brakes with single fingers from the hoods. But maybe some people like that spongy feeling? I guess it's "period correct," right? And my levers only move 1/4 to 1/2 inch before engaging to a full stop. Nothing "mushy" about them now. And yes, I can stop faster without wasting energy compressing the long spring.
Your definition of performance isn't wrong, it just differs from mine. For me, springy housing doesn't reduce performance at all, since I can still lock up the wheels and any "performance" past that is pointless. The energy my hand-actuating muscles needs to expend to apply the brakes is almost always negligible; those muscles are never tired enough at the end of a ride that I wished for a change. I did say "almost always" because there have been a couple times in my life where a tight switchbacky descent on rough or unpaved road (especially with a camping load) has me pumping my grip muscles enough that they get a little tired. It's never been what I'd call a problem, just noticeable. Obviously not enough for me to consider putting anachromistic housing on a vintage bike though.
That's just me — I'm not trying to win anyone over! I just like to point out that blanket statements of springy housing being a problem are controversial, there is another viewpoint that sometimes gets ignored. Brakes with too
little mush are a (minor) problem for me, they seem too binary, on/off, not as good for modulation. Maybe just not what I'm used to, but I don't like 'em.
Wanting to keep vintage bikes somewhat period-correct is not a religion with me, just a preference. When I put modern parts on an old bike, I like them to be in the spirit, like Grand Bois tires with their small discrete labels in French, though it's a 2023 product from Asia. My Mafacs have Koolstop pads, but the Mafac-repop "4-dot" style that's indistinguishable from originals from a few feet away.
I know that desire for period-correct(ish) is irrational, some might say stupid, but I hope I don't have to defend myself here in C&V-land.
Mark B