"Thomas R. Adams, Jr." <KCTOMMY@msn.com> wrote: They look similar to the Campy Delta brakes, although I believe the Shimanos came first.
The Shimanos came first, but they were only similar to the Deltas in their general shape, particularly their symmetry. Like eveything else,the AX caliper was probably previously conceived by a Frenchman in the 1930's, but it was unique in it's day. The only mechanically similar brake I know of ... get ready now... is the Suntour rollercam MTB brake from the mid-to-late 80's. They were mounted on special non-canti braze-ons like the Shimano U-brakes. The AX brakes really are similar, though much smaller and not brazed on.
Check out Lance Armstrong's "Trek" Litespeed from the 2000 TDF. AX centerpulls! Interesting choice. He also dredged up a Campy Aero Biodynamica bottle and cage, complete with Shimano stickers over the Campy logos. Recent E-bay prices on the Campy bottles have been crazy, though with Ebay that may be redundant. The set-up that shops couldn't get rid of in 1986 is now fetching up to $60. The funny thing is that my friend's mother has one on her Nishiki flat-barred ladie's bike. It was on sale and cheaper than a normal bottle and cage.
Gath wrote:
I kind of remember that they were some version of Shimano, as Shimano was doing very neat things in these years, (reference those platform pedals that had adjustable cleat length and lowered contact plates, plus they only fit into the special, Shimano crank arms.
Neat things, but this was also their detour on the road to becoming the maker of the best racing bike components. Dura Ace and Dura Ace EX were solid groups that had minor innovations (cassette hubs) relative to the Campy standard. The groups were widely viewed as inferior to Campy in terms of Durability and spare parts availability was thought to be an issue. The AX stuff was totally wacked and didn't shift or brake very well. It should have been seen as a special TT grouppo or something, but I think Shimano tried to promote it as the next thing after EX. It didn't catch on, and I think EX did stay in production. When the 6-speed SIS New Dura Ace (7400) came out it was arguably superior to SR. Campy's C-record was a lame response that was simply a re-skinned and more delicate SR group. Meanwhile Shimano began to offer more innovations with benefits far more significant than AX. The SIS went to 7 and then 8 speeds. They added Hyperglide, STI, dual pivots, catridge BB's and HS's. Campy copied it all. I'm not saying that Shimano invented all their innovations (probably those french guys your grandfather knew) but they made it all work.
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