Replacement brakes on an 80's frame

[Olly]

Long delay in catch up - sorry!
Well I ended up going and getting a service as wheels need truing aswell. I went to the cycle surgery on great Portland street as it's on the way to work and they said it would be done in a day.
Took it in for a look over on the thursday and a really helpfully chap was incouraging about the brakes and said he would do the wheels too in o e day on the Friday.
So along comes the Friday...
Drop off bike first thing thay said pick up by 5.30 and they would call with a quote before starting work...
5.30 - no word so I call them " sorry mate it'll be ready by 7pm. I had to go out so I said I would have to get the bus home ( grrrrr ) and pick it up in the morning..
Sat am...
Pissing rain buss into town ( grrrrr )
at shop - " it'll be another 2 hours"

by this time I'm fuming and can't come back that day so
Monday am bus again ( grrrrrr ) plus I was the first sunny morning of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got bike yay!
Brakes work but IMHO still under powered wheel a bit better but still a bit whobbly!

Moral...
B*llocks to cycle surgery!

Mosquito bikes for me from now on!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Sorry to hear your experience about the unprofessional lot in Portland Street, your feedback is useful though.

 

[Olly]

I must say I've never been a big fan of cycle surgery in the past ( just buying little bits and bobs) but this took the busciut!
To me they are just another chain! Sell a bike and move on. Or in my case get a bike in for service and get it when we can be bothered.
Lbs from now on!!!

 

[briank]

I had a 1977 Holdsworth Mistral fitted with Mafac 2000 centrepulls for many years - still have the frame though it's rusted out now. In 1994 I finally got another bike, equipped with the first of the STI groupsets - 8 -speed Dura Ace - which had side-pulls. The difference in braking power and modulation was fantastic.
I've also used the Alhongas. There's a bit more flex in them than good short-drop side-pulls but they're fine and, I think, you'll be pleasantly surprised if you try them.

 

[jimboalee]

My Pug PX10LE has MAFAC (Manufacture Auvergnoise de Freins et Accessoires pour Cycles) centre pull brakes.

No probs. All they need is the right rubber.

In 1995, I found a box of blocks in a LBS, so bought the lot.

The original rubber was soft and red. The blocks wear in no time and the rims end up pink.

Koolstop Salmon does the job.

 

[Olly]

I still think I'll change the brakes in the summer

either tektro's or if I can fin someone to make me drop bolts some 90's campagnolo brakes.

Anyone ever had a part ( ie dropbolts )
machined??