Re: [CR]Pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era?

(Example: Production Builders)

Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 12:58:14 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Pinnicle of the vintage lightweight era?
References: <6e.8da013a.27ee7528@aol.com>


Wes Gadd wrote:
>
>(snip) I feel the "pinnacle" is represented by a handcrafted,
> lugged steel frame equipped with C Record with Delta parts. I'm sure I'll
> catch some flak for not choosing NR or SR . But I feel that this was the last
> evolution of the traditional Gran Sport rear gear, as well as the last of the
> non-index, toe clip, thread on freewheel parts.

I disagree... I feel that the C Record (C=Corsa, intro'd 1985) group has more to do with Campagnolo's current parts (aero cable routing, aero styling of parts, index shifting) than they have to do with the earlier Record parts (Record, Nuovo Record, Super Record) going back to the Gran Sport derailleur of 1951.

I think the logical end (and "pinnacle" if we must) would be the Anniversary group that coincides with Tullio Campagnolo's death in 1983. This group has the triangular-sectioned brake caliper arms, the spring relocated in the rear derailleur body, and the non-fluted crankarms. Of course, with the little gold seals and "CampagnoloTullio" signatures everywhere, it might be considered a little ostentatious by some.

Maybe the pinnacle would be the final Super Record "reduced" group ('87 last year produced): caliper arms with conical (instead of domed) center bolt nuts and brake release nuts and triangular section arms with script logo, non-fluted and lazer etched crank arms, SL steel-axle pedals, spring relocated in rear derailleur body, and nutted titanium bottom bracket axle.

Note that I'm leaving out the Cobalto brake calipers. These were actually part of the C-Record group after the Delta brakes were recalled, shortly after their introduction.

Other opinions?

Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California
http://www.velo-retro.com (list of reprints, T-shirts, Timeline)