re: [CR]GB Superhood Brake Hoods

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

Date: Sun, 07 Jan 2007 06:17:34 -0500
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
Subject: re: [CR]GB Superhood Brake Hoods
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com>


John Barry asked: <snip>

After removing the GB "Superhood" levers from the bars, I undertook to remove the hoods. I soon discovered why the half-hoods were called Superhoods. The underside of the hoods were molded to a stiff band of metal that passed through to the inside of the levers and was then bent, so as to secure the half-hoods to the levers. Perhaps other half-hoods used a similar means of attachment, but never having removed any of them, this was a bit of a revelation.

OK - cutting to the chase here. I realize that the bicycle I am working on is over 50 years old, and I presume the levers are original to the bike. I realize this is like asking for a miracle, but does anyone have any replacement hoods (used and usable is certainly good enough for my purposes)?

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The only other common lever of that design that I recall is the Mafac, and these are relatively common (in several ghastly shades). What I don't remember, not having worked with GBs very much, is whether the cable end can be made to match, and whether the cable hole to base distance is close enough. I may have a grungy Mafac you can try...

harvey sachs
mcLean va