Re: [CR]DT shifter ???'s

(Example: Events)

From: "Raoul Delmare" <Raoul.L.Delmare@worldnet.att.net>
To: "C.R. List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Bruce C." <BruceCumberland@comcast.net>
References: <3FBCBA50.5E6C647A@wcoil.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]DT shifter ???'s
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 08:28:14 -0600


Hello Rick ,

First , if somebody on the list has a firm idea of when your frame-set might have been made , I'm very curious to know how old it really is !

And , well , I don't have all the old Campagnolo catalogs . I keep INTENDING to place a big order with Chuck Schmidt , at Vélo - Rétro ( what is my problem ? - must stop procrastinating ! ) .

However , I can tell you that the French manufacturers definitely made just the item for which you are looking . Simplex & Huret made "clamp-on" or "band-on" shift levers , with , a left-hand shift lever attached to the band , and a hole on the right side to fit over a brazed-on lever boss .

I seem to almost remember Campagnolo made one , but I'm not 100% sure .

HOWEVER , I just HAVE to say - what a totally cool frame-set you have !!

Since we all seem to have several bicycles each . . . Hey Rick ! , if you already have a couple of "10-speeds" ( or much more ) , you might think about leaving this one without a front derailleur .

Just a thought .

And here's a more radical thought , if it has rear-facing , horizontal , rear-fork-ends , track-style . . . And if it has a single brazed-on shift-lever boss . . . I've read that a shift lever designed for a derailleur does a fine job of shifting a Sturmey Archer rear hub !!

I think I'd stick with a 3-Speed , and not try for a 4-Speed . And if a vintage AW , with a smooth chrome-plated shell , and a date stamp from long ago , just does not seem exotic enough . . . You could find a "vintage" Sturmey Archer hub with an ALUMINUM ( aluminium ) shell , like an AC ( close ratio ) , or an AM ( medium ratio ) , or even an AW ( wide ratio ) with an aluminum shell ( they did make a few ) . Of course , if you didn't mind spending the money , you could go with a fixed-gear 3-Speed Sturmey Archer ASC !!!

( I've read that you have to know what you are doing , if you try to shift an ASC with a non-ASC shift lever . It would be a shame to damage something so rare , and so expensive . So seek some expert advice first . )

Just a thought .

:^)

Congratulations on a very interesting frame-set !

Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas


----- Original Message -----
From: Rick Robbins
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 6:57 AM
Subject: [CR]DT shifter ???'s



> Listmembers,
>
> Recently, I was fortunate enough to acquire an older Picchio Special
> frameset which is pretty unique. It has creased tubing, lugs with
> hearts and stars, a single shifter boss (right side), and track-like
> rear dropouts. From reading the CR archives, apparently, Art Yow in SF
> has a similar model.
>
> I would really like to have an option for a double chainring setup. I
> know Campy made left side single clamp-on down tube bosses. My
> questions are, would the use of a clamp on boss be restricted by the
> right side cable boss? If so, is there a model that would accommodate
> the existing boss? Do any CR members have such a clamp-on that is for
> sale or know where I can acquire one?

>

> Rick Robbins

> Ada, OH

>

> Findlay, Ohio