Weinnmann Brakes?
 

Is anyone familiar with Weinnmann brakes? The local used shop has some that I was considering using on my mystery frame. Their single pivot, with a quick release mechanism that is more od a dial than a lever. they look pretty nice, just wondering if anyone had used them, and how they hold up.

I can't speak from personal experience about Weinmanns, but the single-pivot Chang Stars on my bike can be difficult to adjust. But better quality items may be less prone to stuff like that. I'm about to upgrade to a set of Shimano Exage single pivots that look like a step up from the Changs.

Seems like alot of the better quality bikes in the 70s and 80s came equipped with Weinmanns, so they've stood the test of time. If the price is right and they're in good shape, why not?

Weinmann made a good quality, tho' rather pedestrian single pivot brake for the masses back in the day. IIRC they were standard fittiment on most Schwinns in the 60's & 70's. Standard single pivot set-up methods apply. Not familiar with that Q/R dial you mention.

Weinmann made quite a few different single pivot calipers throughout the '70s and '80s. The models that I am familiar with, when well adjusted work pretty well, but unlike many other sidepulls they are rather difficult to centre properly. With most sidepulls, when you can't centre them using either of the pivot bolt nuts, you can take a hammer and punch to either of the springs. However, I have not had much luck with this method on Weinmanns in the past. I can't really see how they differ that much in design from other sidepulls like Dia Compe or Shimano, but for some reason it doesn't seem to work too well.
The quick release dial you refer to is actually a barrel adjuster, and in my opinion is the best feature about Weinmann brakes. Other brands of the period used barrel adjusters that consisted of a barrel and locknut which had a tendency to get stuck together and hard to turn around the housing.
Keep in mind that I am only referring to one particular model of Weinmann sidepull. I will post a photo of the one I am referring to if I can track one down.

I have used a pair of Weinmann Carrera sidepulls off and on. Other than the adjustment issues, I like them.

Models I can think of offhand, from lower end to top end, are type 500 (short reach), type 730 (long reach, sometimes used in conjunction with the type 500, where the 500 is front and 730 is rear), "605's", and Carrera. There may have been more, maybe model variations among 500 and 700 models. 605's and Carrera's are really nice brakes.

Thanks, I'm currently running some low end Dia-Compes on this ride and just want to upgrade. I have some center-pulls from an older Schwinn, but the frame isn't set up for them.

I have some Dia-Compe's on my peugeot that I haven't been able to adjust when I tried, and I was wondering if new road bike brakes such as the cheaper tektros fit on the frame.

You didn't save the cable hangers??!?! :eek: Should be able to score some on ebay.

Front: http://cgi.ebay.com/Front-Brake-Cabl...QQcmdZViewItem

Rear: http://cgi.ebay.com/Rear-Brake-Cable...QQcmdZViewItem

Everything had them back in the day, and they're fine. They're not special, and they won't stop you as well as either a modern dual pivot brake (which ARE available in long reach, contrary to popular opinion), or a contemporary centre pull, but I've ridden a lot of bikes with them on (still do ride some), and don't feel in fear of my life or anything.

Here is a Weinmann Carrera.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...a/942c6c0e.jpg

The Weinmann 500+ series are inexpensive but very good quality brakes. They adjust very easily so there is no play in the arms and both arms actuate in synch. Functionally as good as Campy of the same period.