emersizzle

I recently picked up a Raleigh Grand Sports. I've been trying to determine the year, and I'm 99% sure it's a 1972 (six digit serial number, cursive font decals instead of block letters). However, one thing that has caused me some confusion is the derailleurs. My question is basically this: what's the connection between Simplex and Peugeot? The bike is spec'd to have a Simplex Prestige, but the one on there says Peugeot. It does have the Simplex logo, and the model number SX410, but I've only found one thing online that connects Simplex Prestige, Peugeot, AND SX410. I'm just looking for more evidence that this is in fact a 1972 Raleigh with original components. Does anyone have any knowledge about this??

On a related note - the front derailleur is broken. Any thoughts on if I can fix it, or if I should just replace it (see photos)? I'd like to replace it with the original spec'd part, but I'm having trouble finding one that looks exactly like this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

rustystrings61 

That is a replacement derailleur - Peugeot LOVED Simplex, and clung to tout Francaise parts for a looooong time. Simplex later built "Peugeot" labeled derailleurs, and Stronglight built "Peugeot" labeled cranks starting (I think!) in the late 70s - early 80s.

The original rear derailleur on a '72 GS would have been a Simplex Prestige Maxy - the long cage version of the basic Prestige. A previous owner did you a favor. The front derailleur is a later unit, and I would suggest finding one of the all-metal Simplex front mechs to replace it.

For a while in their early days, Rivendell was selling a red-bodied Delrin Simplex parallelogram front derailleur for something like $3-4 a pop. Those work well as I recall, but good luck finding one and I have no clue as to how long they'll last.

branko_76 

Is this your bike ?

oneclick 

Although Simplex made plastic front mechs by the thousands, they are indeed now hard to find - unbroken.

It seems they *all* break eventually.

If you must have one, check very carefully; mechs that have not yet broken will usually have cracks.

emersizzle

It looks pretty much like that, except I think that’s the 1973 based on the decals. Mine has the more cursive looking font instead of block lettering.

branko_76 

The "Peugeot" branded derailleurs are not original.

branko_76 

One option would be to go with period correct Huret derailleurs and shifters which were used on some Raleigh models.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13386108356...EAAOSwj~BhKQcF

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29352989282...gAAOSwmVxegftb

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28479592394...oAAOSwsB9ib-88

KenNC

Interesting! I picked up what I think is a 1973 Gran Sports and am working on it right now. Here are the pics of mine as found, and I think it is mostly original. I noticed mine does not have an integral rear derailleur hanger as does yours. Mine did have the original front and rear derailleurs, which are different from what you've got on yours as rustystrings pointed out, and yes the front derailleur body on mine is broken (I'll be replacing it with a suntour derailleur). I think the Simplex rear derailleurs are fine, whether polymer or metal, but the pulleys are notoriously fragile and since they have 6mm axles a bit challenging (but not impossible) to find replacements for. Would love to see more pics of yours!

sd5782 

As an aside, I have the same Peugeot branded simplex SX410 gt on a Peugeot UO14 and it shifts the heliocomatic 13-30 very nicely. The shift levers also have a very nice feel. My FD is not a plastic one though. I was impressed with the drivetrain overall feel.

bwilli88 

A built in derailleur hanger is at least a 74.