Originally Posted by
PeteHski
I rode bikes like yours in the 80s and early 90s extensively, so I've got a reasonable idea how effective they are. My last rim-brake road bike was from the late 90s with Shimano Ultegra brakes of that era. I don't remember them being any better or worse than those of the 80s. Adequate, but not something I would want to be using today out of choice.
Not good enough.
I agree that brakes in the '80s, even Dura Ace single pivots, were no great shakes. However, today I'm using Dura Ace dual-pivots with compressionless housing. You really don't have any idea how effective my brakes are.