Jerry Moos wrote:
I recently acquired an early 60's Hetchins and an earlt 60's Epgrave, and am looking for correct equipment. This is before the NR era, so I'm considering RD option. Old Campy steel Record or Garnd Sport of course or Cyclo Benelux. When was the plastic Simplex introduced? Also wondering about Huret. I think Allvit would be correct, but what about Svelto and Luxe? Whiich of these, if any were highly enough regarded in the early 60's to have appeared on a Hetchins or Epgrave #1 frame? --------------- Jerry, it depends. You didn't specify which Hetchins model (not that I can remember all the names), whether you're going for wide ratio or narrow (overall, and difference between front rings), and whether it has a derailleur hanger already or wants a claw.
The Campy Grans Sport and brass record were designed for racing. Gran Sport is stamped 13 - a - 28 denti (if I recall correctly) and will skip over a 13 FW cog. "Brass" or "steel" chromed record will take a wider range, I generally run them with narrow spacing in front (half-step). Beloved Spouse uses a Regina 13-31 w. 5 tooth split in front, and I believe that the Record used to hande that fine. but, that's the torture limit; mostly they want close ratios. Ah, record will do a 13 tooth rear w/o complaining.
Huret Allvit is certainly early 60s appropriate, and much more the touring gear. An amazing contraption, with some quirks. IN particular, keep the muck out of it, since it tends to load up and then not have enough spring tension left for the last shift outbound. Wraps lots of chain. I don't remember when the Delring Simplex first appeared but doubt it was later than early 60s - couple of neat metal ones before that, pretty much same geometry but stops adjusted with thumbscrews on a shaft parallel to the pivot arms.
Good luck, sounds like a fun project!
harvey Sachs
McLean VA.