[CR] Weinmann CP caution, was Re: Dating Weinmann Brake Levers

(Example: Production Builders:Teledyne)

Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:53:00 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
To: <gillies@ece.ubc.ca>, <haxixe@gmail.com>, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net>
Subject: [CR] Weinmann CP caution, was Re: Dating Weinmann Brake Levers


To what Donald and Kurt have said, I'd add but one note:

I have examples of the early type with the pivot posts riveted to the arch. In some, the arch plate is failing by radial cracks around the rivet. I'd be really careful about riding with these. harvey sachs mcLean va +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2009/7/22 donald gillies <gillies@ece.ubc.ca>: <snip>

>> The calipers also come in at least 3 generations, and the generations >> roughly match the brake levers seen above : >> >> 1. ?Weinmann logo engraved into the caliper arms >> >> 2. ?Weinmann in a foil (tin foil) embossed logo. ?In addition, the >> ? ?pivots are riveted to the arches. ?There is a silver (metal) >> ? ?lining that can be seen surrounding the pivot bolts. >> >> 3. ?Weinmann 610/999 in an anodized flat logo. ?The pivots are screwed >> ? ?into the arches with steel nuts. ?There is a red (plastic) lining >> ? ?that can be seen surrounding the pivot bolts. ?Starting in about >> ? ?1976, different colors of labels were offered (blue, black), and >> ? ?RALEIGH got their name on some of them (i.e. RALEIGH 610/999).

</snip>

There is what I believe to be a transitional type between 1 and 2 above, that has recess where the foil label goes, but is instead engraved inside:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S4xcod6C3rKl6yKwPX57gw?feat=directlink

<snip>

>> There are also at least 3 types of straddle carriers >> >> 2a. ?true trapezoid shape, thick, lasted until about 1970. >> 3a. ?trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable in front. >> 3b. ?trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable behind, double circle. >> 3b. ?trapezoid with curved lower edge an arch, and cable behind, single circle.

</snip>

And of course the late '50, early '60s type with the large top which used the red printed washer often seen under the pivot bolts of Weinmann CP brakes. These are to my eye the most aesthetically successful straddle carriers of all time:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FmDHAbs9OArsboECRToK4A?feat=directlink

Unfortunately it looks to me like the finish quality on the classic Weinmann CP brakes declined over time, examples from the '50s having a markedly nicer finish that later ones.

Now, Weinmann did come up with some rather interesting ideas, mostly towards the end of or even past our on-topic period such as the Delta Pros, the odd HP Turbo brake, and the even odder PBS 300 model as well as the beautifully finished German-made NRB 499 sidepulls and of course the MAFAC-clone cantis- what was the Weinmann-MAFAC connection?

They also made at least one stem with a faux lugged alloy extension and a steel quill which was quite nicely done. They probably did more but that's the only one I can recall.

Kurt Sperry
Bellingham, Washington
USA