Originally Posted by Picchio Special

+1
And not only tire clearance, but fender clearance as well. Centerpulls are sometimes the best option (along with perhaps cantis, which are basically a form of centerpull) for touring, randonneuring, pass hunting, commuting, and all-rounder type frames. Not that there aren't some sidepulls with longer reach (i.e. Tektro), but centerpulls offer good bang for buck where 28mm and up tires and fenders are involved. As mentioned, pads and levers are key to good performance - so are cables and housing. I have older Mafac Racers on my Bleriot with Kool Stop pads and Tektro aero levers, and they work quite well.