They're too short for Mafacs, but they work just fine. I don't think they are too short for Weinmann/Dia Compes and I have no Idea about Universals. I bought a couple of sets of Continentals and they work fine, but I think they're ugly. I changed them for some inexpensive pads and holders that Stronglight suggested and I'm very happy with them. I don't think anything will give satisfactory braking with steel rims.