My friend has an old French Mixte I am trying to put together on a budget.

It has some old Mafac Centerpull Brakes on it and she would like new ones because they look like they've seen better days. I have seen the Dia Compe Center Pulls online and they look like they would fit but I'm not sure.

I'm wondering if Cantilevers would also work.

Do I have options?

I'd appreciate any input.

Cantis have a special mount that is attached to the frame, that is currently not there. You could take the frame to a builder(or general welder) and have them attach the mounts. There are strap on mounts out there that dont work to well.

But if I were you Id go for something more like diacompes if you are looking for a lot of style, or any old generic dual pivot brake if function and price are more important than form.

mafac racers are among the best centerpulls I have ever used. Just clean up the brakes she has with some steelwool and give them some care, replace the cables and pads and they should work great. I use them with the flatbar levers by shimano for use with road brakes. They work awesome.

Otherwise I would try to find somthing newer.
Cantis wont work unless you have cani mounts.

Seriously, unless there's something wrong with the Mafacs, keep 'em. Clean them up, replace the pads, and tell her you found them new on eBay. Use the money saved to source one of those kickass Mafac-specific front racks.

There is no reason to get rid of the Mafacs, unless you want to upgrade to the Paul Centerpulls. Swapping to the Dia-Compe brakes would be a downgrade. Buy some metal polish and make them look like new.

If you are committed to getting rid of them, send them to me, I might even spring for shipping.

Wow, that's some great information.

I'm just going to restore them and change up everything else.

I believe the brake levers are Mafac also.

@ Fuzz - LOL!

Thanks alot guys/gals.