Need brakes
 

For a nice old road frame that needs nutted brakes, what are my current choices if I want to run 32s and fenders? I have some Weinmann centerpulls, but I was looking for something a little different. I have seen Mafacs mentioned, and I know that there are those unattractive (to me, anyway) new long reach Tektro dual pivots, but what else should I consider? I don't really care if its modern or vintage, but I do want reasonably priced brakes that are fairly good at, well, braking!

Ed. I see that Velo Orange is asking $85 a pop for some new Dia Compe 610 calipers.....seems pretty steep, are they worth it?

The Dia-Compes are nice, but they are exactly the same as vintage Dia-Compe 610s, which are widely available on eBay and inexpensive. weinmann and Mafac are both good choices.

The other option would be to take any set of dual pivots you have on hand and replace the bolt with a nutted one. Tektro and Spa Cycles in te UK sell these, but they may or may not fit your brakes. Trial and error I'm afraid.

Get yourself a set of first generation nutted Shimano Dura-Ace side pull calipers. Nothing from that era works better, except, perhaps, a properly installed/adjusted set of Mafac "Racers".

My opinion, of course.

I'm not sure why some people think Tektro brakes are unattractive. From 10ft away (maybe with your glasses off) they look like any other decent side-pull. Perhaps a little modern, but that goes well with 80's or later bikes. From the side they look like every other side-pull. For stopping power they are great.

I agree, Jim. They aren't pretty, but I find them more or less unobtrusive. They can look a bit out of place depending on the bike, I guess.

If you want something less usual and also attractive, what about Universal?

Which ones? 68s, 77s? Would they be long enough to go over the fenders?

I've used both mod. 68s and mod. 77s with fenders.