Re: [CR]Simplex LJ Help

(Example: Component Manufacturers)

From: "Galen" <gvpoole@bellsouth.net>
To: "Greg" <gtsoftley@ozemail.com.au>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <005e01c5f6d5$c79a6ae0$2101a8c0@xxxjiugw7q2ghy>
Subject: Re: [CR]Simplex LJ Help
Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2005 19:43:18 -0600
reply-type=original

Greg,

Yes, Simplex made their front derailleurs in both clamp-on and braze-on varieties. Both the SJ and SLJ series were available in double and triple chainwheel varieties. However, true to the French habit of doing things different from everyone else, the braze-on derailleurs would only go on a peculiarly distinctive mounting system that used a water bottle holder braze-on. They are not at all interchangeable with the more common Italian-style braze-on mounts. As far as I know, Simplex never made a front derailleur compatible with an Italian braze-on mount. I have seen a number of Simplex front derailleurs on ebay that use the "French mounting," and maybe a couple of Gipiemme badged Simplex derailleurs. I'm sure they exist, but good luck finding an Edco-badged one. If your frame has the Italian mounting system for the front derailleur, I'd break national tradition and put a good old Campagnolo Nuovo Record right there next to the Stronglight crank, but I would shift it with a Simplex retrofriction shifter!

Galen Poole
Jackson, MS


----- Original Message -----
From: Greg
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 6:17 PM
Subject: [CR]Simplex LJ Help



> Calling all Francophiles! I have an Edco badged, Simplex LJ front
> derailluer with the clamp type of fitting. I have a frame ready that has
> a braze-on front derailleur mount. Did Simplex make a braze-on style
> derailleur in this series?
> Attacking the braze -on with a grinder is out of the question as the
> combined frame/group will be unusual and unique. The LJ fixtures cannot
> be changed like you can a NR/SR derailleur.
> If such a beast exists, does anyone have one they want to sell or trade
> - or is there some machine-shop procedure that will solve this 'curly
> one'?
> Greg Softley
> Coffs Harbour
> Australia