I have never met sidepulls that couldn't adequately stop my heft (and I have plenty of extra ), even ancient early '60s Weinmann 830s on steel rims. I switched from centerpulls to Shimano (early '80s) 600s on my '79 Schwinn Traveler and gained better stopping power. My '66 Paramount was converted to Campagnolo Record sidepulls before I aquired it. The front needed the dropbolt. It works just fine. New brake shoes and careful attention to final adjustment are critical to good braking. Best of luck.