Re: [CR]RE: Simplex and other French Garbage?

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

From: <TW406@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 18:33:07 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]RE: Simplex and other French Garbage?
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 7/5/01 2:48:54 PM, moos@penn.com writes:

<< "a Campy NR will shift badly almost forever". >>

Jerry, I don't know how you're setting up your bikes, but I've never had a NR that worked any way other than beautifully.

I've learned chain length is important, and that many times the derailler hanger or the derailler body is not square to the chainline, affecting the smoothness of operation and noise level. Properly setup they should be almost silent.

They like a clean, well-oiled chain (I've always used motor oil myself, no modern ointment works as well!) I believe they do get better with age, and I don't think I've ever had one that was worn out. Other than that, they're pretty bullet proof other than crash damage.

I think the old Gran Sports and Records work almost as well given a good setup. If its a bike I'm going to ride a lot, I replace the steel jocky wheels with plastic on those old ones.

I've had Simplexes from time to time, and they're alright, but I would want to place any longevity bets on em! The plastic becomes very brittle with age and I've had many break at the mounting locations.

But enjoy your fantasies. Send me all those old badly shifting NRs you can't stand! I'll trade you all my broken plastic French gems.

Ted Williams
Its a joke from Berkeley