In a message dated 1/26/04 3:01:28 PM Pacific Standard Time, goscotty@msn.com
writes:
> I have 6 bikes from 1971 thru 1985 and I've wondered about the brake levers
> as I've notices subtle changes this past year. My 1972 Raleigh Professional
> is all original and has the round hole for the cable underneath. The blade
> is the same length though angle at the top is different so that it takes a
> longer reach with your fingertips to grab it, close to about 1/4- 3/8" longer,
> which is quite noticeable. The tip of the blade is curved more outward and
> the backside is hollowed out unlike the later 85 that has blunt much for cupped
> tip when looking at the backside.
Hi Scott,
Please print out my original post and keep it for reference and use it to
check your bikes. Your Raleigh has the long each levers if they are original to
the bike. Do they have the round cable hole on the bottom or the "U" shaped
hole? Are the bodies silver, light gray or dark grey? These are the differences I
am looking for. The curve at the tip you've noticed is typical of the earlier
"long reach" levers.
>
> I'm not sure when the cupped/blunt end came about or when the Brev. Camp
> started being stamped? The Campagnolo Timeline shows nothing on this subject.
> My 1974, 75, 76 bikes for me require some guess work on my part. I've
> noticed this shape difference on the early Super Record levers also and can see a
> distinct difference from the later Super Record levers.
Look at your bikes in relation to the information I've presented and let me know after you've made the inspection.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA