[CR]Re: centerpulls

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

In-Reply-To: <002c01c1caf1$6e93e5c0$0c56510c@gateway>
References: <002c01c1caf1$6e93e5c0$0c56510c@gateway>
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 22:06:54 -0800
To: "Thomas Rawson" <twrawson@worldnet.att.net>
From: "Jan Heine" <heine@mindspring.com>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Re: centerpulls

Here is a quick guide to Mafac centerpulls - since so many questions seem to come up. It may not be complete, and is to my best knowledge. Any additions are welcome.

- Racer was the first model, introduced sometime around 1956. First ones were stamped "Dural Forge," but not "Racer" - there was only one model of Mafac centerpulls. Long reach. Bronze bushings until shortly before the arms were stamped "Racer." Even the "cheap" Racers featured forged arms.

- Raid is even longer reach. Plastic bushings on the ones I've seen.

- Competition: shorter reach, similar to standard reach Campy sidepull. Bronze bushings.

- 2000: Reach like Racer, finish like Competition.

- Top 63, Tiger, etc.: Special models that weren't in production for long. Different set-up (no slots for vertical brake shoe adjustment, but an extendable bridge) means they can't be used with brazed-on pivots (unless you get everything exactly right and never have worn brake shoes). Not sure about reach.

The "Racer" was probably the best brake when it appeared. It was used not just in France, but also in Britain. Hilary Stone's book on Thanets states that they replaced all other brakes on these bikes (more or less). In France, they led to the demise of Singer's custom brakes (Racers were cheaper and better). In fact, many older bikes were retrofitted with brazed-on pivots, such as the Herse of 1956 PBP winner Baumann.

Jan Heine, Seattle