Originally Posted by
John E
There is nothing wrong with Weinmann Vainqueur 999 centerpull brakes, which I have on all of my road bikes except the Bianchi. Its Campagnolo sidepulls are OK, but underserving of hype and adulation. Besides, I think centerpulls simply look right with fancy lugs and high flange hubs.
The biggest benefit of a frame that accommodates Weinmann centerpulls is that the increased tire clearance affords you a lot of flexibility in choice of rims and rubber. With the Bianchi, I am locked in to 700C x 26mm (actual size) tires -- my 700Cx28 Continentals fit the bill because they run slightly small, but 700Cx28 Specialized, which run large, would not.
I am right with you on the Weinmanns. I am from a vintage when these really were thought to be superior in terms of their stopping mechanics. I have a few sets of these around but they are all 610s. In test fitting for 700c sewups, I have noticed that I do need a 750 on the back, which is alright with me. One question I do have though - all of my Weinmanns are branded as such, and not "Schwinn Approved." By 1971 was Schwinn using Weinmann branded centerpulls?
On a related topic, here are the rims I plan to use, which are "Schwinn Approved 330" aka Weinmann tubulars...
