mkeller234

+1 on Shimano 105. They are the strongest brakes that I have personal experience with. Pretty amazing, even with my old pads.

boatsinbottles

Ya might want to take some measurements, but the centerpulls can be a screaming deal. Just don't forget the cable hangers, though.
The Dia Compe 750 reach 62 - 78 mm, so you might even get down to 650B with those. Other models like the 610 have less.

rothenfield1

I wont know for sure until I, hopefully, have the frame this weekend and can put my 700s on it to measure the reach. But my guess is that it will be in the 55mm range.

kroozer 

Just about any decent brake should be able to handle a 25lb. touring load. I've toured with Weinmann centerpull's and didn't have any particular problems even in mountainous terrain. My cousin used MAFAC Racer's with no problems. My brother used 1st gen. Dura Ace. My buddy used Dia Compe 500 sidepull's. There are no doubt better options now as far as stopping power goes, but these all had big clearance, they're cheap, and you can always put on nicer pads, cables, etc.

mkeller234

Don't forget, good levers can make a really big difference.

RobbieTunes

Figure a 25lb touring load is just a 25lb bigger rider.

gerv 

+1. I'd be more worried about getting a good rack set back far enough to avoid heel strike. Brakes will probably be Ok unless doing some serious descents.

Although I have the feeling that many cyclo-tourists aim for 25 pounds, but leave with the kitchen sink.

Yo Spiff

+1 on the centerpulls. My first good bike was an '84 Trek 520. It came with sidepulls (why did Trek spec these on a touring bike?) and I replaced them with common Dia-Compe centerpulls. It had plenty of stopping power.

bikingshearer 

Dia-Compe, Weinmann or Mafac centerpulls will do the job just fine. So will the Tektros mentioned. Use whatever of these that fit.

I made it across the USA in 1980 on a fully loaded tourer using Dia-Compe sidepulls with OEM pads and cable-out-the-top levers - no problems. Your brakes will be okay, especially if you use aero levers (better mechanical advantage than the non-aero ones) and modern pads (Mathausers, KoolStops, or the like).

rothenfield1

OK, I get it; kind of a lame question about the brakes. I was just trying to flush-out what options I had brake-wise on a non-canti bike. I’m concerned about heel strike as well, but I think it is just one of those things that you have to try with what you have. I haven’t worked on bikes in a while, so this is my gateway back into the madness. I like the frame enough that I will build it as a commuter if I can’t make the panniers work. I’m pretty excited about building a nice steel road frame again. I know it’s only 501, but I think this could be a bike that I keep for a long time because of what I see as its build versatility.

Grim

There is a long version of the SC's with a 57mm reach but the trick will be finding a set.
https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.as...m=117&AbsPos=6
VeloBase doesn't have much listed past the 90's

rothenfield1

That; is impressive. What an adventure it must have been. How long did it take you?

The only way to become un-ignorant is to ask an ignorant question. I plan on using aero levers and probably Koolstops, no matter what brakes I end up with.

cooperryder

Just rode bikes two days ago with my friend who has a beautiful 70's Nishiki Int'l
that used to be mine and he had just dropped the cash for the New Gran Compe 610's for it.
They looked really nice on it and he said they stopped remarkably well. Not cheap though. I saw Niagra Cycle Works has them for $65 each or $130 for a bike's worth plus shipping.

mkeller234

Those brakes look really nice, I just wish they would have done more for the brake pads. The Tektro cartridge holders are awesome, especially for what the brakes cost. Kool Stop inserts fit the Tektros, plus they have the nice toe-in adjustment.

fietsbob

nothing says you have to use the brake shoes in the box..
likely put in there to keep retail price in sight.

I put Kool Stop Continentals on the CLB side pulls on my small wheel Brompton,
I lived on a hill so did a lot of wet weather braking, they worked fine..

JohnDThompson 

New Gran Compe 450B:

The Golden Boy 

I had an 84 Trek 420. It was a "cheap" bike with a Mangalloy frame. I was all stoked on getting a 86 400 Elance- with a 531 frame. Ostensibly, the 400 was a nicer bike- but the 420 was a really nice riding bike. I actually miss it. Your 501 frame is going to be nice.

ColonelJLloyd 

+1 Dual pivot sidepulls and aero levers should really impress you if you've never used a combination of the two previously.

rothenfield1

Thank you CJL, your opinion is valued. I’ve been thinking about using calipers as well. Do you have an opinion about these R450’s?

Sixty Fiver

There are so many good options here... the modern Tektro 5xx dual pivots are pretty remarkable performance wise although I would replace the stock pads with Kool Stops as I don't have a lot of love for tektro pads. The long reach Tektro model is a great problem solver for those who are changing from 27 inch to 700c or 650B wheels.

Centre pull brake are also dual pivot and a good choice... the GranCompe 450B's are remarkably nice although there are others and have sent folks out on tour with Mafac Racers (still one of my favourites), and might argue that my Zeus 2000 Ti centre pulls are the finest brakes of their kind from an aesthetic and performance standpoint.

Brake performance is a total package affair in that it is not just the brakes but the pads, rims, levers, and small hardware that all comes together to provide a solid braking set up.

ColonelJLloyd 

I'm sure they're fine calipers and work as well as the Tektros. They're going to function pretty much the same so I would choose a dual pivot caliper based on finish, features (quick release design) and intended tire size. With great nutted dual pivots available I wouldn't drill the fork.

rothenfield1

I was wondering what your opinion was of these brakes JD because I have an opportunity to buy a set. The link you referenced states that they have a 55mm max reach, and I measure 54mm from center of the brake nut to the center of the 700 rims. Yes, I bought the frameset.

rothenfield1

I’d just like to add that; unless I missed something, which is entirely possible, there has been no answer to whether center pulls or calipers have stronger stopping power? I know it wasn't really the question of this thread.

As far as the unidentified brakes in the picture, I had a quick chance to see them and they were indeed impressive. They are Dia-Compe 700's I believe, which I could find no reference to on the internets.

rothenfield1

Sorry, I missed this earlier. Maybe center pulls are the way to go.

bradtx

Either the center pulls or the dual pivot calipers can plant your nose into the pavement if misused. While opinions naturally vary WRT preference, these two designs are best suited to your build. Choose whichever suits your confidence and aesthetic threshold.

Brad