I think that the "lima-bean" sized holes in weinmann high-end brake levers lasted from roughly 1968-1976. You can see them in the Raleigh/Carlton catalogues on http://www.bulgier.net. The Raleigh Pro Mark I had Weinmann cneterpull brake levers, with the lima-bean sized holes. Later, in about 1977 or 1978, Weinmann came out with levers for the sidepulls that had much smaller holes.
There are at least 3 generations of QR Weinmann Brake Levers:
1. Red-dot, early 1960's. 2. Weinmann QR, but top is milled, like this |_|_|_| + no lower bump it looks like teeth, almost. this a short time, maybe 1965-1967. 3. Weinmann 144 pattern QR brake lever with raised bump, 1968-1980 ??
They are also matched with 2 generations of barrel adjusters
2. Steel barrel adjuster 3. Grey Plastic barrel adjuster
The lima-bean drilled brakes actually come in 2 flavors : embossed 'Weinmann' logo, and engraved 'Weinmann' logo. All the Raleighs I own (from 1970-1974) have the embossed logo road brake levers. I did get one pair of engraved-logo brake levers from England a few years back.
The calipers also come in at least 3 generations, and the generations roughly match the brake levers seen above :
1. Weinmann logo engraved into the caliper arms
2. Weinmann in a foil (tin foil) embossed logo. In addition, the pivots are riveted to the arches. There is a silver (metal) lining that can be seen surrounding the pivot bolts.
3. Weinmann 610/999 in an anodized flat logo. The pivots are screwed into the arches with steel nuts. There is a red (plastic) lining that can be seen surrounding the pivot bolts. Starting in about 1976, different colors of labels were offered (blue, black), and RALEIGH got their name on some of them (i.e. RALEIGH 610/999).
There are also at least 3 types of straddle carriers
2a. true trapezoid shape, thick, lasted until about 1970. 3a. trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable in front. 3b. trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable behind, double circle. 3b. trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable behind, single circle.
Here are pictures of the last 2 types of calipers and straddle carriers.
http://www.ece.ubc.ca/
So, I'd say that for a 1971-76 bike with reynolds 531 throughout, you should use :
1. Lima bean drilled-out brake levers, w/plastic barrel adjusters if desired. 2. calipers with anodized logos and red pivots 3. trapezoid arches, curved lower edge, cable behind, double-circle 'Weinmann'
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA