I've been mulling over in my head how I'm going to build up my new Zieleman.
The bike is at the latest a 1973 model, at least it had Pat 73 derailleurs.
There are no braze ons except the cable stop on the chainstay so it could possibly
be older. The previous owner's boyfriend filed off the serial number so there's no
telling how old this thing is.
Anyhow, back to brakes. I'm thinking centerpulls, and that's got me thinking
Mafac. I'm pretty sure that I won't be putting RAIDS on it not for $250+ a pair for calipers only!
Since I haven't had centerpulls since my Viscount (lambert ones at that), can someone run down the Mafac's, or alternative marques and the pros/cons of each of the different models ?
thanks,
Marty

Definitely MAFACs - IMO, the best caliper brakes out there. Your most likely choices would be Racers or Competitions (or maybe 2000's if you're lucky). In addition to being crazy expensive, Raids are designed for use with BIG (35-42mm) tires, and have too much reach (65-80mm) for most race bikes. Throw a pair of wheels in and measure the brake reach: Racers usually run 53-68 mm reach, and Comps 49-59, so there's some overlap.

Campy NR, with Racers, a small-rivet Brooks Pro, Cinelli bar and a 1A stem.... mmmmm - nice. Post some pics when you've got it rolling.

SP
Bend, OR

Isn't Zieleman a Swiss brand? I'd likely go for Weinmanns if it is.

Chombi

Dutch brand.

I like MAFACs. Racers are great even though they are rather common. Weinmann/Dia Compe (basically the same) do not have the same long-throw leverage as MAFACs, but would be a good second choice. You might find some Universals, but the cost/performance ratio does not stack up IMHO.

Zeus 2000 centerpulls are very nice.

Funny thing is, Mondia (the best-known Swiss brand in the 70's) always used MAFACs.

SP
Bend, OR

True, but isn't it against the law to put Zeus stuff on anything other than a Zeus frame?

SP
Bend, OR

Si,......Zieleman no habla espanol......

Uhmmmmm.........maybe that's close enough cause they both make nice chocolates!

Chombi

Thanks for the response, just what I needed. Guess I shouldn't have bid on the mislabeled Mafac Raids,
oh well gives me reason to build a true randoneur if I win.
build is going to be a while, have to strip what little is left of the paint, sand blast, order decals,
paint etc. so won't begin to be ready till end of the summer.

Marty

Good luck with building that up! MAFAC centrepulls are very appropiate on dutch frames, as are Weinmanns. O, an go with SP's suggestions for the rest of the build!

Why's that? I'm planning on building a '50s Hetchins with an early Zeus 2000 group. (so sue me). Exactly as I might have done with this frame in the mid-late '70s...

philistine