Budget Brakeset Advice

[huwj]

Hello forum people

Just picked up a nice vintgae Peugeot daily commuter. Brakes are Weinmann 500 with Exage Motion levers. They seem pretty bad even for someone with low expectation! I'm wondering how to improve. Should this setup work well? Do I just need new pads and cables? If so can please recommend some decent inexpensive pads...

Or if I'm expecting too much and this is a duff setup any ideas on whether I should replace levers or callipers first. Can I literally replace with any second hand callipers and levers that are for sale on the forums or do I need to make any special considerations around fit and clearance

Thanks everyone

 

[hamster]

Definitely replace first of all with modern cable outers and stainless inners. It's amazing the difference that losing all the friction along the way makes. Swap to modern brake blocks (say Kool Stop or Aztec) and then decide.

 

[Midlife]

Even back in the 70's Weinmann 500's were for show only on time trial bikes where you basically never braked

If you are not bothered about how things look then some cheap short drop dual pivots should serve you well.

The 500's were a pretty short drop, what bike are they attached to?

Shaun

 

[legrandefromage]

The levers will be fine, its just the Weinmanns that are just terrible, new pads really wont mak much difference if the leverage isnt there.

Dual pivot brakes are much better and can be had for very little:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Road-Bike-Fix ... zt3q7MKnUQ

Your frame is most probably nutted fitting rather than recessed bolt but its quite easy to sort.

But dont forget to measure the reach first so that the new brakes dont hit the tyres or can only reach the spokes!