The Delta brakes in 85? I thought they came on the market later then that, maybe in the late 80s to early 90s. It didn't last long, maybe didn't work well? Personally, I think they were pretty ugly looking, bulky to say the least compared to the traditional side pulls. I do like the looks of the Shimano DA AX center pull brake calipers from the early 80s. The did wind tunnel testing with it and found them to be more aero. It was fitted on Armstrong's time trail bike at one time or another. Still, stopping was nothing to write home about.
The best stopping rim brakes were a set of Cane Creek ee calipers I had on my Time. Man, did those things stop. They are in some boxes under the house now. Next is the latest gen Shimano DA calipers. They stop pretty darn well. Then of course, there's V brakes and such with great stopping power but those don't count.
. Do you remember how poor brakes were back in the 80 or 90s? How the hell did I ever fly down the side of a 15 mile mountain road at speed close to 45mph when I was a dumb, idiot with those little brake pads?