Weinmann 405 brakes - worth an upgrade?

[Ajoten]

Not sure whether to bother really, but my 1982 Peugeot has Weinmann 405 calipers which strike me as being a bit of a low end model, and wonder whether something superior would be better when hooning down a Chiltern.

Is there a big difference between the stopping ability of single pivot brake brands/models?
Would something late 80s like Shimano 600 be an upgrade or a sideways move?
Are all dual-pivot brakes likely to have the recessed bolt fixing, in case I allow myself the anachronism?

I don't mind weight, it's more a question of confidence.

 

[mikeymustard]

For me it is about the weight - mine! For my own confidence I've changed to dual pivot on several of my favourite rides, but it's amazing what decent pads and a bit of adjustment (and tried wheels!) Will do for your stopping power. It's not much bother converting either the bike for recessed or the recessed brakes to nutted, or you can buy new "retro style" calipers. If you keep the weinmanns they can be put back on at any time

 

[pigman]

Re:

If you want retro brakes and dual pivot stopping power, it has to be the old Weinmann centrepulls with modern blocks. They really do work well