When were safety levers introduced?
#1
Happy With My Bikes
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 2,278 Times
in
1,100 Posts
When were safety levers introduced?
There is a Peugeot being advertised locally as a 1968. The seller has one poor non drive side picture of what looks to me to be a late '70s entry level bike which I'm fine with. Cottered crank, Cat-Eye reflectors and of course safety levers. I like bike boom bikes and this looks to be in nice survivor condition if the saddle has a gel cover instead of a gel seat. Long story short, before I insult the guy offering him quite a bit less that the $100 he is asking, I think the safety levers are the best thing to try to date the bike by from his picture. I was thinking safety levers were a late '70s early '80s thing but on the slim to none chance they were around in the late '60s, I thought I'd ask here first.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#3
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,516
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2731 Post(s)
Liked 3,361 Times
in
2,034 Posts
Show up in the 1969 Schwinn catalog.
https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1969.html
https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1969.html
Likes For dedhed:
#4
weapons-grade bolognium
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Across the street from Chicago
Posts: 6,335
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 2,353 Times
in
882 Posts
I recall seeing them appear in the early 70's
Likes For thinktubes:
#5
Happy With My Bikes
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 2,278 Times
in
1,100 Posts
Show up in the 1969 Schwinn catalog.
https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1969.html
https://bikehistory.org/catalogs/1969.html
While the reflectors still seem to date the bike later rather than earlier, I may have to arrange to look at the bike. I've overpaid for a bike boom survivor before. Thanks
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#7
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times
in
2,075 Posts
These things, also known as turkey wings. They bend heavily when used and barely work.
The brake manufacturers probably came up with this first, but the acceptance of the term "safety lever" is just (another) boondoggle from safety nannies busying themselves with bicycle-related matters they don't understand and shouldn't have screwed with.
The only safe alternative to this came about when the cyclocross interrupter lever was invented.
-Kurt
The brake manufacturers probably came up with this first, but the acceptance of the term "safety lever" is just (another) boondoggle from safety nannies busying themselves with bicycle-related matters they don't understand and shouldn't have screwed with.
The only safe alternative to this came about when the cyclocross interrupter lever was invented.
-Kurt
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,323
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3449 Post(s)
Liked 2,800 Times
in
1,974 Posts
Yep, 1969 as I recall admiring bikes at the Schwinn Shop, might have been a 1970 model thing. One could reference the Schwinn consumer catalogs... with prices as Schwinn was fair traded
Peugeot was late to make them standard. Like 1977. And their solution had less slop in the system. Prior to that while working at a bike shop in the 70s, bike retailers loved to be able to add them on as an accessory- there were a few different suppliers of custom pivot pins that accepted Weinmann or Dia-Compe comfort levers, we never called them safety levers.
we could make the exchange really quick two drift punches, two hammers, one to buck up the lever from twisting- required a second mechanic for all of a minute. The new pivot was retained with a belvel spring clip.
xtra profit at the time of sale... kickstand, lock, saddle bag... if lucky, shorty fenders and a generator light! The lights and racks were popular during the second gas crisis in Spring 1979.
Peugeot was late to make them standard. Like 1977. And their solution had less slop in the system. Prior to that while working at a bike shop in the 70s, bike retailers loved to be able to add them on as an accessory- there were a few different suppliers of custom pivot pins that accepted Weinmann or Dia-Compe comfort levers, we never called them safety levers.
we could make the exchange really quick two drift punches, two hammers, one to buck up the lever from twisting- required a second mechanic for all of a minute. The new pivot was retained with a belvel spring clip.
xtra profit at the time of sale... kickstand, lock, saddle bag... if lucky, shorty fenders and a generator light! The lights and racks were popular during the second gas crisis in Spring 1979.
Likes For repechage:
#9
Senior Member
I think after the Consumer Safety regulations came into effect 1974? I think, most entry level bikes had the "safety levers' along with a whole slew of reflectors. Thats generally my cutoff date for bikes that I ride. Chaingaurds on the chainwheels, pie plates, turkey levers, reflectors, etc. YUCK!
#11
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,496
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2401 Post(s)
Liked 4,350 Times
in
2,075 Posts
I think after the Consumer Safety regulations came into effect 1974? I think, most entry level bikes had the "safety levers' along with a whole slew of reflectors. Thats generally my cutoff date for bikes that I ride. Chaingaurds on the chainwheels, pie plates, turkey levers, reflectors, etc. YUCK!
If anything, they pre-date any FDA or CPSC decision. The CPSC reflector safety theater in 1977 was partially influenced by the BMA/6. Pedal reflectors pre-dated that, but I can't pinpoint a date; seems to have happened around 1969/70.
-Kurt
Last edited by cudak888; 04-25-21 at 09:31 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Not if a 1969 Schwinn catalog has them - which, currently, is the earliest example provided yet.
If anything, they pre-date any FDA or CPSC decision. The CPSC reflector safety theater in 1977 was partially influenced by the BMA/6. Pedal reflectors pre-dated that, but I can't pinpoint a date; seems to have happened around 1969/70.
-Kurt
If anything, they pre-date any FDA or CPSC decision. The CPSC reflector safety theater in 1977 was partially influenced by the BMA/6. Pedal reflectors pre-dated that, but I can't pinpoint a date; seems to have happened around 1969/70.
-Kurt
An example would be the Raleigh Grand Prix US spec bikes. '73 - no safety levers or pedal reflectors and then in '74 safety levers and pedal reflectors.
Likes For big chainring:
#13
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,526 Times
in
1,743 Posts
They were introduced in Europe in the late sixties, I believe, on touring bikes. They add the benefits of the Guidonnet levers, which were popular in France, to the traditional drop bar levers. They appeared here on pretty much all demi-course machines in the early seventies.
The Weinmann version, and with that the Dia Compe and early Shimano copies, would flex a lot, which kind of ruined an otherwise good concept. The CLB versions, which used a secondary lever with a T-profile, flexed less and were nicer. Shimano and Altenburger later made versions with secondary levers made from steel plate, which - finally - worked the way they should.
However, like the others, they still rely on the right handlebar shape and being mounted at the correct angle. I spent a lot of time last year trying out various levers, bars and mounting positions, but I did come up with a combination that works really well.
WIN "Winpista" handlebars with Shimano DEL-80 levers. I say they work even better from the tops than from the drops:
The Weinmann version, and with that the Dia Compe and early Shimano copies, would flex a lot, which kind of ruined an otherwise good concept. The CLB versions, which used a secondary lever with a T-profile, flexed less and were nicer. Shimano and Altenburger later made versions with secondary levers made from steel plate, which - finally - worked the way they should.
However, like the others, they still rely on the right handlebar shape and being mounted at the correct angle. I spent a lot of time last year trying out various levers, bars and mounting positions, but I did come up with a combination that works really well.
WIN "Winpista" handlebars with Shimano DEL-80 levers. I say they work even better from the tops than from the drops:
Likes For non-fixie:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,156
Mentioned: 200 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2993 Post(s)
Liked 3,711 Times
in
1,393 Posts
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,323
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3449 Post(s)
Liked 2,800 Times
in
1,974 Posts
I think after the Consumer Safety regulations came into effect 1974? I think, most entry level bikes had the "safety levers' along with a whole slew of reflectors. Thats generally my cutoff date for bikes that I ride. Chaingaurds on the chainwheels, pie plates, turkey levers, reflectors, etc. YUCK!
Comfort levers were NOT part of the CPSC regs.
But the ball end to them was.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 652 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4719 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,034 Times
in
1,874 Posts
Nubuo Ozaki, assignor to Yoshigai Kikai Kinzoku (Dia-Compe) filed the USA patent application for their brake safety level in October 1966 and it was granted in October 1968. The patent may have been filed slightly earlier in Japan.
Likes For T-Mar:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,575 Times
in
2,580 Posts
I’d guess some engineer had a guidonnet lever in one hand and a drop bar lever in the other, and said, “Why not?”
#18
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 277 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2182 Post(s)
Liked 4,526 Times
in
1,743 Posts
Thank you! I thought it was a Weinmann design. Apparently it wasn't.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 652 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4719 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,034 Times
in
1,874 Posts
It's always been my understanding that Weinmann wanted the safety lever and that it resulted in a reciprocal technology exchange between the two companies. However, I also thought this took place in 1963. There are reportedly 1964 Japanese catalogs with products labelled as Dia-Weinmann (see attached). So, maybe the levers date back slightly further in Japan or maybe they weren't the reason behind the relationship between the two companies.
#20
Happy With My Bikes
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 2,278 Times
in
1,100 Posts
Someone I know messaged me about this bike this afternoon and he too was wondering how the seller determined the vintage. He has messaged the seller for more pictures of the brakes and derailleurs. I'm thinking if they are European and not Japanese, this may be a more interesting bike. If they are Japanese, less interesting but not enough to make me lose interest. However I hope he can get the bike before me, I'm beginning to agree with my wife that I don't need it. But we don't always agree on everything.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#21
Happy With My Bikes
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 2,278 Times
in
1,100 Posts
I have some Dia-Compe safety levers on one of my bikes and adjusted properly the work well enough. But the cheap ten speeds I had as a kid from the hardware and department stores had levers that pretty much flopped around like chickens with their heads cut off.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#22
Death fork? Naaaah!!
This.
Set up they work fine.
Top
__________________
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
You know it's going to be a good day when the stem and seatpost come right out.
(looking for a picture and not seeing it? Thank the Photobucket fiasco.PM me and I'll link it up.)
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,175
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 117 Post(s)
Liked 70 Times
in
50 Posts
These things, also known as turkey wings. They bend heavily when used and barely work.
The brake manufacturers probably came up with this first, but the acceptance of the term "safety lever" is just (another) boondoggle from safety nannies busying themselves with bicycle-related matters they don't understand and shouldn't have screwed with.
The only safe alternative to this came about when the cyclocross interrupter lever was invented.
-Kurt
The brake manufacturers probably came up with this first, but the acceptance of the term "safety lever" is just (another) boondoggle from safety nannies busying themselves with bicycle-related matters they don't understand and shouldn't have screwed with.
The only safe alternative to this came about when the cyclocross interrupter lever was invented.
-Kurt
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,233
Mentioned: 652 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4719 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,034 Times
in
1,874 Posts
I've told this story numerous times before. The boom era Sekine came into our shop with factory wrapped handlebars and jig positioned brake levers. We loved this, as It saved a lot of time. However, more importantly, it optimized braking performance. As a result, Sekine had the best brake performance from the safety levers, out of all the brands that we carried.
Likes For T-Mar:
#25
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,662
Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10247 Post(s)
Liked 11,601 Times
in
5,946 Posts
I remember how proud I was when I put a pair of those safety levers on my Ten Speed back in 1973. That and stem-mounted shifter levers. IIRC, I even got a set of centerpull brakes!
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles