I agree with noticing the uncanny similarity between Balilla, Weinmann, Universal, Zues, and Superbe brake calipers. Who was the first with that design, I do not know, but I would guess it was either Universal or Balilla. As far as Shimano or Campy are concerned, I beileve that neither infringed on each others "patent-rights" since it was an European company by the name of something like "Altenburger" that first came up with the dual pivot design in the mid-sixties. Regretfully it was never targeted to the Racing market and I think it eventually shriveled on the vine as it were. Actually this would be a good question to ask Cycle-Art since they sold/had several of these calipers, but I don't know how to contact them. Cheers, Dave
In a message dated 10/2/00 7:09:21 PM PST, chuckschmidt@earthlink.net writes:
>
> brian blum wrote:
> >
> > Did the original Weinmann brakes copy Ballili(sp?) of Italy? The original
> > Weinmann were almost identical, was there no patent or was there a
> > licensing arrangement?
>
> I would say that Weinmann, Balilla, and Zeus etc. were all in response
> to the very successful and popular MAFAC Racer (Forge Dural) from the
> early 50s. No patents in effect.
>
> A question I have asked, that always goes unanswered, is the uncanny
> similarities in the Campagnolo and Shimano dual-pivot brakesets.
> Particularily when disassembled into their respective individual parts.
> Some third party must have sold the rights to both Campagnolo and
> Shimano. Anyone know the lowdown?
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, California