Hi Alan, Have no idea about the bike, but my experience with the super 68's is identical to yours. I first tried new pads - no improvement, then new levers (Shimano aero) - slight improvement, then replaced the calipers with Mafac Racers - problem solved. Good luck.
John
On Wed, May 13, 2009 at 8:09 PM, <cigar460@aol.com> wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> I recently found an unidentified old French bike at my local Recycle-a
> -Bicycle. Painted a vibrant purple, it has a rather elegant diamond shaped
> head badge with the initials CS. Mostly Suntour components but I don't know
> if this is original. The original wheels were Ukai tubular rims with
> sunshine hubs. It has a rather unusual quick release on the base of the
> stem, even though the SR stem has the usual stem bolt (maybe the stem is not
> original). Stamped unmarked dropouts, and half chromed on the chain stays
> and fork. Very short top tube, 56 cm, for a 61 c to c frame.
>
> Anyway, the brakes are Univeral super 68, very vintage looking, with a neat
> linkage type quick release mechanism. The only problem is that they don't
> work! I put on modern Tektro pads, tried tight adjustment, loose, etc. The
> rims are new and clean. The brakes simply don't stop the bike....unless you
> grab the very end of the brake lever from the drops and really squeeze hard.
>
> Anyone have any idea what this bike may be....and why these very
> nice-looking brakes don't work? Thanks in advance.
>
> Alan LaVine
> New York, NY, USA
> _______________________________________________
>
--
John Wood
Missoula, Montana, USA