[CR]Hinged or easy off brake levers, Brits... help please.

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Columbus)

Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:35:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Harry Schwartzman" <harryschwartzman@yahoo.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Hinged or easy off brake levers, Brits... help please.

I have read accounts of British racers who would ride their track bikes to the track with a front brake. They would then remove the brake to race. The brake just screws off from the rear nut but the levers? Presumably, their bars were taped.

I'm currently trying to put a front brake on my 50's Frejus track and would like to put an older brake lever on the Ambrosio bars and am searching for a period correct or slightly later hinged brake lever or some other sort of easy-off lever. Does anyone have any ideas (perhaps a known easy to remove clamp?). I tried a hinged BMX lever and the diameter is all wrong. I could file it more open but my time is limited. I tried an old Royal Grand Compe lever (pretty!) but I couldn't get the clamp around the bar without unwrapping the tape. I would rather not use today's in-line 'suicide' levers (although they would work and I'll do it if I have to) and would prefer a non-aero brake lever. I'd like to get to Kissena velodrome in one piece... if not me, then at least the bike.

What did the Brits do?

Harry Schwartzman Astoria, NYC, USA

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