I have a number of bikes equipped with Campag Paris-Roubaix and Corsa
derailleurs. I disagree with Charles Andrews when he says that they become
quickly worn and do not work well. My 1952 Bianchi has been ridden a good
many miles since I bought it used in 1955 and it still works like new. In
the early years I would use it on early season training rides and although
changing gear while in the middle of a fast moving bunch can be exciting,
the other riders got to know that when I reached back for the joy stick
that they should probably give me a little more room. With some practice
it is possible to change to any desired sprocket with only a half turn back
of the pedals. It is always wise to try to avoid changing on a very steep
climb when even a half turn back with the pedals can bring you to a
standstill. A change should take only a couple of seconds at the most.
Not quite your Ergopower I admit. The Paris-Roubaix is a beautiful piece
of bike equipment. It is extremely well made and was far better made than
any other piece of bike equipment of its time, and dare I say, almost
anything available now. A bike equipped with one is a joy to ride as it is
completely silent and free running as there are no pulleys running on the
chain. The Corsa derailleur takes a bit more practice to use as there is
one lever to release the wheel and one to select the gear. (All this is
done with one lever on the P-R). I have an old 1949 Paglianti which I use
for commuting on occasion which is equipped with a Corsa. I must admit it
doesn't get changed very often, maybe once to the bigger cog going home,up
hill, and onto the smaller cogs in the morning on the way in. It is silent,
simple and a good conversation piece. It is interesting that the Italians
continued with these derailleurs long after the guys on the other side of
the Alps had fairly normal cable operated, forward pedaling Simplex, Huret,
and Super Champions to name just a few. The Campag Gran Sport was a nice
derailleur but really very little better, if any in operation than the
French ones.
Mike Barry. Bicycle Specailties, Toronto.