Mark- There is no reason why the solid links won't work well. The design has been used by others as well as solid links have been part of other brake designs (Campy Deltas). Shimano has tried various straddle cable/link designs over the years.
The advantage might be that the pull up clip/cable yoke is centered. But that also might be a disadvantage. Also the various lengths of straddle cables can allow for frame (mixte) or accessory (Pletcher racks) clearance. The solid links are only what they are size and location wise.
<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 6:14 PM Subject: Re: [CR] Jack Taylor 5 Speed - please help to identify brakes !!
> Hello listmembers,
>
> Michael mentioning the Jack Taylor on UK ebay (320487377012) has reminded
> me of the fact that I have the same brakeset that this bicycle features,
> but have never got around to properly identifying them.
>
> All that I know is that they are Weinmanns, and that they have a solid
> steel straddle arm instead of a straddle cable. What I'm really curious
> about is whether this design works - possibly not since it was never
> copied.
>
> If you look at the ebay listing you will see what I'm talking about - I
> suppose I should make pictures of these brakes and upload them to
> wooljersey, I haven't seen them there or anywhere else.
>
> Thanks in advance for any insight,
> Regards
> Mark Lawrence
> Oxford, United Kingdom
>
> ________________________________________
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Michael Thompson
> [meauxtown@yahoo.com]
> Sent: 17 February 2010 12:54
> To: CR Main Address
> Subject: [CR] Jack Taylor 5 Speed
>
> There is a really cool Jack Taylor on British Ebay. A Five speed model
> with lots of really interesting parts. See here: 320487377012 The seller
> has turned down a thousand pounds sterling. This one may be fun to watch.
>
> Michael Thompson
> Monroe, LA
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> _______________________________________________
Andrew R Stewart
Rochester, NY