I have an old Puch Pathfinder with dia compe center pulls. Its fine the way it is, but I've been considering trying to switch over to side pulls. Any traps to be concerned about, or is it pretty straigh forward to change the brakes over?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Usually *I mean usually but you'll have to check*, is that Centerpulls have a longer reach that side pulls. Also, there may or may not be a bolt area for you to put the center bolt from sidepulls on it. Also, you'll have extra "parts" such as the center bridge in the rear and the centerpull gizmo that is around the headset.

I put side pulls on my 75 schwinn continental. No problems. I left the extra gizmos on just for show. Also went to 21 speeds.

For long-reach brakes, I prefer centerpulls over sidepulls and do not recommend making the change. Of course, short-reach sidepulls are even better, but you will need dropbolts with an older large-clearance frameset.

I agree, having to find side-pulls that will fit AND be a marked improvement is a tall order.I wouldn't expect that you gain an advantage by taking the brakes from center to side-pull.There's little to prove that side-pulls are inherently better for any or every bike.

I've got a bike with an old Weinmann 70mm reach centerpull brake on the rear. Even with a decent brake lever, the braking power is still not sufficient to make the wheel skid. Will I get better performance by replacing it with a new Tektro R556 sidepull brake ($40) or it's an inherent weakness of all long-reach calipers?

I wouldn't make the change unless you can go to modern sidepulls. Weinmann sidepulls from the same period just don't get close to the centrepulls for stopping power.

Try some Kool Stop pads for you existing centerpull brakes if stopping power is the only reason for switching. Certainly a lot cheaper and less hassle than changing over to sidepulls.
Good luck!
Gerry

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.