Jerry Moos wrote:
I have a rather contraversial Ephgrave No. 1 frame with late 70's era brazeons which some CR members think is a fake (but a very good one), while others insist is genuine. I'm trying to decide how to build it up. Assuming the 70's brazeons were added later and the frame is authenic, it probably is one of the last few built. The info on the CR site says Les Ephgrave built his last frame around 1968 and died in 1969. Is this generally agreed?
Let me take a poke at a few of the issues: JM: That would mean this frame might have been originally built with Campy NR, but just barely. Campy steel Record or Grand Sport might be a better choice. HS: I'd go with the NR, since the "steel" record is so much more rare. In front, the choice depends on the BB: if it has brazed on cable guides, I'd use a "bump-front" Record w/o CPSC lip. If not, it pushes you back toward the awful plunger "Gran Sport" or a very hard-to-find Record with cable stop.
JM: When were Stronglight 93 cranks introduced? HS: They would be time-correct by then, I'm 98% sure.
JM: What about TA CycloTourist or TA 3-arm Professional? HS: I didn't see a lot of TA of either variety except on real touring bikes in the late 60s, when I did see TA, it was usually as rings on Stronglight 49d arms. I regard the TA 3-arm allows as esthetically challenged, but that's just my opinion.
JM: Don't want to use Campy 151 cranks because of the limited ring selection. HS: By '68 or so, 144s should be fine.
JM: Mafac or Universal 61 brakes should be period. Do Weinmann 999's go back to the 60's? Or British parts - GB, Cyclo, Williams, etc. HS: By '68, you can get away with Universal 68 SP if you prefer; new hoods are available for the (shared) levers. Nothing has lower leverage/faster action/harder pressure required than the Universal 68 -- but the 61 is very low leverage for a CP. They feel firm. Weinmann 999s are right age. On a frequent "rider," I strongly recommend against using the early ones with engraved arms and the pivots riveted to the backer plate: they crack the plate. I have pix if anyone want to see it. Mafacs were common, work great, usually squeal. Others are much rarer.
harvey sachs
mcLean va