Identifying Athena or Chorus monoplaner brakes
03-04-21, 07:33 AM
#1
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Identifying Athena or Chorus monoplaner brakes
I am pretty sure these are Athena, but not 100% sure as they seem to have changed over the years a little. Anyone know? Thanks for any help.
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03-04-21, 08:12 AM
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03-04-21, 08:25 AM
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Here's what a Monoplaner looks like, see the slotted arms?
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03-04-21, 08:58 AM
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H Curtis,
Dual Pivot vs Single Pivot ?....mono planers thus the slot.
I can't help other than that, I believe that the (some) early ones had a wider blade where the pads were connected. The difference seems to be very minor, but the Campagnolo experts will clarify.
Best, Ben
Dual Pivot vs Single Pivot ?....mono planers thus the slot.
I can't help other than that, I believe that the (some) early ones had a wider blade where the pads were connected. The difference seems to be very minor, but the Campagnolo experts will clarify.
Best, Ben
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Last edited by xiaoman1; 03-04-21 at 11:28 AM.
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03-04-21, 09:15 AM
#8
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Thanks for the last three responses. I was lazily looking at things because I didn't realize there were brakes that look that similar.
You guys saved me some coin. Thanks again.
I am actually looking for the oval pad holders and gave up. Figured I would just buy a set of brakes for spare parts and get the oval holders which are very hard to find loose.
I will keep searching.
You guys saved me some coin. Thanks again.
I am actually looking for the oval pad holders and gave up. Figured I would just buy a set of brakes for spare parts and get the oval holders which are very hard to find loose.
I will keep searching.
03-04-21, 10:20 AM
#9
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03-04-21, 10:51 AM
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I'll say one thing, there are one heck of a lot of incorrect listings on Ebay. Wow! I am looking for a watch dial and the listings are very often false. Buyer beware out there for sure.
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03-04-21, 10:56 AM
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Chorus Monoplanars - Note the sharp curve above the brake pad. Athena and a couple of others are shaped differently. Pad can be obtained form KoolStop.
P1010556 on Flickr
All are single pivot.
P1010556 on FlickrAll are single pivot.
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Last edited by SJX426; 03-04-21 at 11:01 AM.
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03-04-21, 11:14 AM
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I think even the Monoplanars are single pivot. Looking at that parts diagram, I can only see the single center pivot in both models. Maybe I am missing some campy wizardry, and I actually hope I am. I think monoplanars are beautiful, but I could never justify them since I only keep one road bike around these days and I prefer dual pivot on bikes that actually get ridden.
03-04-21, 11:23 AM
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Ben,
I think even the Monoplanars are single pivot. Looking at that parts diagram, I can only see the single center pivot in both models. Maybe I am missing some campy wizardry, and I actually hope I am. I think monoplanars are beautiful, but I could never justify them since I only keep one road bike around these days and I prefer dual pivot on bikes that actually get ridden.
I think even the Monoplanars are single pivot. Looking at that parts diagram, I can only see the single center pivot in both models. Maybe I am missing some campy wizardry, and I actually hope I am. I think monoplanars are beautiful, but I could never justify them since I only keep one road bike around these days and I prefer dual pivot on bikes that actually get ridden.
You are right, I should have been more precise with the definition, they all have a single pivot point but the way they work is slightly different....perhaps this will further clarify some questions...I edited the first post to try to clarify a bit.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ar-brakes.html
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Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
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Last edited by xiaoman1; 03-04-21 at 11:30 AM.
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03-04-21, 11:36 AM
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Chorus Monoplanars - Note the sharp curve above the brake pad. Athena and a couple of others are shaped differently. Pad can be obtained form KoolStop.
P1010556 on Flickr
All are single pivot.
P1010556 on FlickrAll are single pivot.
I'm copying a quote from member bianchigirl from this old thread which shows the earlier version (and her added cobalt nut), and some more notes on Chorus vs. Athena differences:
it is very hard to tell between early Athena and the real Chorus. one way the real Chorus and very early Athena (after Athena got the Monoplanor design in '93ish) are identifable from others is the use of a thinner nut behind the cone shaped cap nut.
another difference is the use of the afore mentioned white 'O' ring and the white plastic covering on the wheel guides. the heavier pad mounting area is a Athena detail I believe.
when the rounded brake pads came into vouge I am not certain but I believe it was with Athena.
these look the most like what i would call a real chorus
FWIW these came on my '88 Super Leggera, so I know for sure these are original Chorus, well aside from the capnut
another difference is the use of the afore mentioned white 'O' ring and the white plastic covering on the wheel guides. the heavier pad mounting area is a Athena detail I believe.
when the rounded brake pads came into vouge I am not certain but I believe it was with Athena.
these look the most like what i would call a real chorus
FWIW these came on my '88 Super Leggera, so I know for sure these are original Chorus, well aside from the capnut
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03-04-21, 11:37 AM
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The operation and function is the same a s a standard side single pivot side pull. the difference is that the arms are not in two planes but one, hence monoplanar. I am not sure this is an advantage with the arms offset such that the brake pads are in the same plane with each other.
Older side pulls had one brake pad offset from the other. This design applies force on the rim in the same plane.
Older side pulls had one brake pad offset from the other. This design applies force on the rim in the same plane.
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03-04-21, 01:58 PM
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Chorus Monoplanars - Note the sharp curve above the brake pad. Athena and a couple of others are shaped differently. Pad can be obtained form KoolStop.
P1010556 on Flickr
All are single pivot.
P1010556 on FlickrAll are single pivot.
OP: s brakes are Athena.
Last edited by styggno1; 03-04-21 at 02:01 PM.
03-04-21, 02:49 PM
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WELL! I guess I will just have to get some black rings for my adjusters!
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03-04-21, 03:29 PM
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One difference to tell Athena from Chorus is the anchor for the end of the spring. Only really easy to see in one picture in this thread, side view in post #16. Slotted metal cylinder on Chorus and it’s a plastic clip on Athena.
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03-04-21, 10:29 PM
#19
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Well let's see if I now have a clue after being schooled by you folks. Here is a monoplaner picture. I am going to guess Chorus. Do I get an A, D or F. D being it is an Athena. I was thinking of buying this for some parts and the pad holders.
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03-05-21, 07:21 AM
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Good info in this thread. That era of Campy brakes are some of the most beautiful IMO.
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03-05-21, 08:21 AM
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Cyclyng.com has a comprehensive survey about everything Monoplanar. Also a good opportunity to learn some technical German (or use google translate)
Compiled into one big jpg.:
Source
Compiled into one big jpg.:
Source
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11-05-22, 01:08 AM
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Thanks for the last three responses. I was lazily looking at things because I didn't realize there were brakes that look that similar.
You guys saved me some coin. Thanks again.
I am actually looking for the oval pad holders and gave up. Figured I would just buy a set of brakes for spare parts and get the oval holders which are very hard to find loose.
I will keep searching.
You guys saved me some coin. Thanks again.
I am actually looking for the oval pad holders and gave up. Figured I would just buy a set of brakes for spare parts and get the oval holders which are very hard to find loose.
I will keep searching.
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11-05-22, 04:41 AM
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I don’t believe there is a difference other than cosmetics. however as I recently discovered if you try to use the older style nutted type holders you don’t get full thread engagement with the nut. The arms on these fatter than the older ‘Record’ calipers
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11-05-22, 05:22 AM
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@tricky - If I only had one C&V bike, I would tend to agree. However, the Monos have really good modulation comparted to the more recent dual pivot Record skeletons. Do they stop well? Yes, with the Kool Stops.
The Superbe Pro single pivot hidden spring calipers, with Kool Stops, are exceptionally good at braking to the point that it wouldn't matter if they were on the one bike. And they don't look too bad either. Less massive.
P1040790 on Flickr
BTW, The Pinarello pictured above is my go to bike at the moment.
The Superbe Pro single pivot hidden spring calipers, with Kool Stops, are exceptionally good at braking to the point that it wouldn't matter if they were on the one bike. And they don't look too bad either. Less massive.
P1040790 on FlickrBTW, The Pinarello pictured above is my go to bike at the moment.
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