Re: [CR]Hello and a PX-10

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2005 04:48:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Hello and a PX-10
To: Richard Robinson <vintagespoke@earthlink.net>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: 6667


The correct derailleurs on a 68 PX-10 are plastic Simplex Criterium. It is important to distinguish the Criterium from the cheaper and far poorer-performing Prestige, even though Simplex was found of stamping the word "Prestige" on a lot of components, including the Criterium RD. The front derailleur was the pushrod type, and for this item, I've never been able to tell the difference between Criterium and Prestige, although maybe someone else can. The RD's were definitely different. The Criterium has a proper fairly thick forged alloy jockey cage like a Campy NR RD. The Prestige has a cheap stamped steel jockey cage like a Campy Valentino. Also, the Criterium reinforces parts of the plastic parallelogram with steel or alloy. The Criterium shifters are solid alloy with hard black plastic covers. The cheaper Prestige shifters are almost all plastic. Despite the similarity in appearance, the performance difference was enormous. Because of the flex in the cheap jockey cage, and especially in the plastic shifters, the Prestige shifting was pretty horrible. The Criterium, on the other hand, shifted much better than Campy NR, although the Campy was more durable.

Speaking of 60's PX-10's, I have a question of my own for the group. Last fall I bougt from another list member the 1967 PX-10 with the funky blue lugs that many have seen in the PX-10 gallery. Several components had been upgraded, and I've been changing these out for more correct bits. The seatpost is a steel straight post with a separate Simplex clamp. The clamp is more elaborate than most, and provides the same adjustment as on a Simplex post with integrated clamp. Could this straight post and clamp possibly have been original on a 1967 PX-10, rather than the badged post with integrated clamp seen in the early 70's. Or did someone replace the original badged post with the current arrangement?

Regards,

Jerry Moos Houston, TX

Richard Robinson <vintagespoke@earthlink.net> wrote: Just wanted to say hello,

Its been several long months since I last posted to the CR bikelist, eight months to be precise. I just returned from Iraq and will be attending this years Cirque with my son. Because of recent world events over the past three years I have not been able to attend since 2002. 2002's Cirque was very memorable and I look forward to spending time with likeminded people and enjoying this year's event/ride with my son.

In preparation for this years events I have started a few new projects: a '68 PX-10 and a mid 80's BASSO (my first REAL bike I bought as a young man). I have a few questions that I know someone out there will be able to answer.

1. What are the correct front and rear derailleur for a '68 PX-10? Does anyone have photos that may help?

2. What are the correct shifters? I have seen several types: plastic levers - early to mid 60's I think; alloy levers; chromed metal levers with alloy band; chromed metal levers with chromed metal band, two types of metal bands - one with a round logo and one with a diamond logo.

3. Does anyone have a SR rear derailleur from the mid 80's they would be willing to sell?

Take care all, Rich Robinson
Jacksonville NC