Re: [CR]Universal Model 61 Centerpull Brakes

(Example: Bike Shops)

Date: Sun, 06 Jul 2003 21:02:01 -0400
From: "Joe Bender-Zanoni" <joebz@optonline.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Universal Model 61 Centerpull Brakes
To: Mara & Steven Maasland <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
References: <c12ca4c131f3.c131f3c12ca4@icomcast.net>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

I'll add that Universal was the undisputed heavyweight champion of making their models in different reaches. Up to seven different reaches in some models I think

Actually a worthy idea to collect the whole range in a givn model. Good luck on the balloon sizes in the US.

As an example of the disparity in length, look at the Universal 68s on a Windsor Pro. Plenty short in front and long in rear.

Joe Bender-Zanoni
Great Notch, NJ


----- Original Message -----
From: Mara & Steven Maasland
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 12:08 PM
Subject: Re: [CR]Universal Model 61 Centerpull Brakes



> Louis asked:
>
> > I recently acquired a very nice "pair" of Model 61 Centerpulls. I say
> > "pair" with some reserve, because the front are short reach, and the
> > rear, long reach.
> >
> > Is this a "pair"? Were different reach Model 61 sets available? Was
> > it common to have one reach on the front, and a different reach on the
> > back? Why would a bicycle be made this way?
> >
> > Enquiring mind wants to know.
>
> This was indeed the most common way for almost all Italian bikes up
> until the 70's. The logic behind this, as described to me by Italian
> oldtimers is multifold. Firstly, on the old-time bikes where the back
> wheel needed to be moved for use with gearing (i.e. with Cambio Corsa,
> Paris-Roubaix, Vittoria Margherita...) you had to allow for a greater
> arc of the rear fender, hence a higher position of the rear brake. On
> the front with a fixed brake, this was not necessary. Secondly, the
> flex of the front brake calipers was also better kept in check with a
> shorter reach. The shorter the caliper the less flex. On the rear brake
> the flex was not as immediately a problem as even a very flexible brake
> caliper could never flex beyond the seatstays. In fact, I have yet to
> see an old Italian bike that didn't show evidence of the rear brake
> calipers coming in contact with the seatstays. On front brakes, the
> shorter caliper also allows for frames with comparatively longer head
> tubes. This was important when the average rider's height was much
> smaller.
>
> Steven Maasland
> Moorestown, NJ