Jerry and all,
Yes, Simplex made long cage versions of all of their rear derailleurs-- the lower end, mid-range, and all alloy SLJ versions. I have a Simplex catalog from the late 70s and one from about 1984, and the full range is depicted in both. I know I'm prejudiced, but I have always found Simplex derailleurs to be some of the sweetest shifting derailleurs ever made. Too bad they lost their way and couldn't compete with Shimano. Maybe I've been lucky with setting up chainlines, but I love the shifting on my 1974 Fiorelli with all Nuovo Record as well. Despite a 14-28 five gear cog, a stiff chain makes this a very precise and quick shifter. I never understood why Frank Berto rated this derailleur as only "fair" in overall performance. My expectations must be lower, but the bad rap that this equipment receives must come from people who don't have a great deal of experience with using classic components.
Galen Poole
Jackson, MS
<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 10:19 AM Subject: Re: [CR]Simplex Rear Mech on the CR Page ?
> In the 70's and early 80's, Simplex seems to have made most of there
> better RD's in a long cage version. Most of the ones I've seen are models
> which were essentially indentical in design to the all-alloy Super LJ, but
> made from a mix of alloy, steel and plastic at several different price
> points. I'm pretty sure the top of the line Super LJ itself also came in
> a long cage version, and possibly the all-plastic Criterium as well. I'm
> not sure if the cheaper Prestige like came on the Peugeot UO-8 ever came
> in a long cage version. A long cage Prestige would have been a pretty bad
> derailleur, since the main problem with the Prestige was its thin stamped
> cage, which would have been even worse in a long cage version.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, TX
>
>
> r cielec <teaat4p@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Ahoy !
>
> On the CR page, French components, a long cage Simplex is shown in the
> header but not discussed.
>
> Can anyone, please, explain the particulars of this long cage Simplex rear
> mech?
>
> Yes, I may need a long cage but haven't a clue as to what I should be
> seeking. I would prefer European though, the preference many listers have
> for Suntours of the VGt variety is compelling. I have a Huret Duopar Eco
> but, I am of the impression that is less than desireable
>
> Thank you.
>
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois
>
>
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