What do I have? Simplex lever front derailleur
01-10-22, 09:03 AM
#1
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What do I have? Simplex lever front derailleur
Listing things on eBay for my local non-profit (thebrokespoke.org) and came across this unique vintage front derailleur. Can you help me identify it so I may accurately list it for fair price on eBay?
the only marking are “brevette s.g.d.g.” and “simplex”
cheers and thanks for helping this charity
the only marking are “brevette s.g.d.g.” and “simplex”
cheers and thanks for helping this charity
01-10-22, 09:12 AM
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Simplex Competition. 1960-'61 according to Velobase
Brent
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01-10-22, 09:15 AM
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01-10-22, 09:29 AM
#4
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Simplex Competition. 1960-'61 according to Velobase
Brent
Brent
01-10-22, 09:29 AM
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01-10-22, 09:45 AM
#6
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Simplex Competition. 1960-'61 according to Velobase
Brent
Brent
https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.a...m=113&AbsPos=2
01-10-22, 09:46 AM
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this parts tavola illustrates the early version with the metal acorn shaped knob
your example is the late production version with the ivory coloured plastic knob
other bits identical
your example manufactured in France
there was also an edition produced in the Juy factory of Italy
the full model name for your example is "Competition 15 D" -
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this parts tavola illustrates the early version with the metal acorn shaped knob
your example is the late production version with the ivory coloured plastic knob
other bits identical
your example manufactured in France
there was also an edition produced in the Juy factory of Italy
the full model name for your example is "Competition 15 D" -
-----
Last edited by juvela; 01-10-22 at 09:56 AM. Reason: addition
01-10-22, 03:53 PM
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What do you think about this match? Its a braze on, not clamp.
https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.a...m=113&AbsPos=2
https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.a...m=113&AbsPos=2
Brent
01-11-22, 02:03 PM
#9
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ahhh, the venerable "suicide derailleur" - they're actually a lot of fun to use and the only front derailleur I've ever had that can put a chain back on the chainring after it's been accidently dropped while shifting, without ever having to stop and get off the bike.
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01-11-22, 02:05 PM
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I presume that the angle change in the cage, because it travels in an arc, is not important?
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01-11-22, 02:13 PM
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^^ I seem to remember reading somewhere that the cage angle change from vertical on the upshift acts as a slight ramp and improves shifting over the push-rod type Simplex FD's. Take that with a grain of salt of course.
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01-11-22, 03:12 PM
#12
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I will leave the answering of this question to @juvela who's encyclopedic knowledge is vastly greater than my own.
Brent
Brent
The presence of the wreath and the plastic acorn would be less attractive to owners of late 1940s to late 1950s bikes because of these identifying features.
So it restricts the market to those who are after an almost obsolete piece of technology to go onto a very early 1960s bike.
But the removal of the wreath and the machining up of an acorn nut which is then distressed would pass as an earlier rod shifter. It would still need either a collar to be fabricated or a braze-on mount fitted to the seat tube.
Don't be overly ambitious with your pricing. They are often found on the French ebay site.
Last edited by Big Block; 01-11-22 at 03:53 PM.
