canyoneagle

I'm doing a high-end neo retro porteur build on a great '83 Marinoni frame, and want to install some brakes that perform well but retain the classic aesthetics from days past.
The brake reach I need is 47-57mm and the brakes will need to function with my 37mm fenders.

I'd like to go with a centerpull design to retain the retro styling, if possible.

At the moment, I'm considering the following:

Paul "Medium" Racer standard mount: https://www.paulcomp.com/racerm.html My current preference, but $140 each
Dia Compe Gran Compe: https://www.velo-orange.com/grco610cncbr.html Half the price of the Pauls, solid history.


Velo orange has some very nice looking side pull brakes: https://www.velo-orange.com/grcrulorecab.html but they have a very "dual pivot" look and I don't like the plastic parts (purely aesthetic).

Does anyone have any experience with these, or know of other brakes that may fit the bill?
I've searched the net and not much info is available.

tatfiend 

The Grand Cru brakes are dual pivot per the writeup at VO and too modern looking IMO. Might as well go with medium reach Tektros and save some money rather than use those. Hard to tell from the photo but to me it looks like the black parts may be black anodized aluminum rather than plastic.

What is your actual needed reach as the Gran Compe brakes start at 47mm per the writeup.

canyoneagle

my need is "mid reach". I measured 47mm-57mm with a 700c from another bicycle.

The Paul and the Gran Compe are my two primary candidates at the moment, but there may be other options I am unaware of. Most of the "long reach" brakes are too long for my needs (most start in the 50's).

Agreed that the grand cru brakes look a bit too modern, and I also agree that the adjuster assembly is most likely alloy, not plastic. The quick release looks like plastic, though.