lenos

I have an 1939 Saetta that is missing a few key parts, including the brakes. This photo was posted in a set depicting a 1937 Saetta, and I have a very old picture of my bike, which seems to have the same brakes. I'd like to identify these so I can start the search.

Thanks,

iab

Eco. On the right side it says "Freni Eco".

I have never seen a pair other than in ads.

1938_Giro008 by iabisdb, on Flickr

iab

Just as an fyi, for a 1937 bike, you will need brakes from 1935. It seems most major brake manufacturers out of Italy offered new models in 1935, 1939, 1951 and 1961.

The difference typically between the 1935 and 1939 brakes can be seen in the Universal models, but holds pretty true for all manufacturers. I always found it odd that all the manufacturers would have the same "upgrade" on the same year.

The 1935 models have much more geometric transitions from the cable stops to the arms. The 1939 models use a generous fillet.

Finding a Mod 35 from Universal, Balilla or Eco (acceptable choices for your bike) will take time and a lot of money. Even harder and more expensive will be the levers.

Mod 35

Universal Model 35 Brake Caliper by Speedplay Vintage Bicycle Component Museum, on Flickr

Mod 39

lenos

Thanks for the information.
I believe my bike is from 1939; that is what is stamped on the bottom bracket spindle.
From what I can tell, in 1940 Bianchi started using the toothed dropouts foe use with Cambio Corsa. I was originally thinking that the Universal model 39 brakes would do, and they probably would, except that I saw a picture of my actual bike and could see that the brakes had the more squared off treatment at the cable stop.
Maybe perfection is the natural enemy of completion.
Anyway, I'm keeping my eyes open for model 35s or Balillas, or the above mentioned "eco" which I never heard of before.
Thanks all.

iab

You are correct that the Saetta was last in the 1939 catalog. The 1940 catalog has the Folgore as their road model and had the cambio corsa dropouts.

Universal Mod 39 calipers are somewhat abundant and the last 2 pairs I watched sold for about $60/pair. The levers typically go for $150ish. There are 2 types for the calipers. Like the picture above, the road models come to more of a triangular point at the pivot bolt. The city bike version is more square-ish at the pivot bolt. Both versions are stamped "Brev 361666". So make sure you are getting the version you want, if you are being picky.

After Universal introduced the Mod 51, they still manufactured the Mod 39 road version, except it was stamped "Universal" on both arms, no "Brev 361666". In the 50s these calipers were typically used on the Sport bikes of the major manufacturers.


How about some pictures of you Saetta?

lenos

Pictures coming

iab

Happen to be some Eco 35s on ebay right now. I am really really tempted but they would just sit in my parts bin. Also, there are a couple of other more tempting items. Why does the good stuff always come in waves.


Freni Bici Corsa Epoca Anni 30 Brake Old Race Bicycle Vintage Ancienne Velò | eBay

seedsbelize 

It's mind blowing the knowledge base in these forums.

Pogliaghi

Yes the knowledge on this site is really mind blowing! I have a 1935 Maino Super Campionissimo and I did not know the manufacturer of the brakes. They are branded GMA (for Giovanni Maino Alessandria) and "Super Sport". At first I thought they might be Universal 35s without their branding, well clearly they are the alloy version of the Freni Eco Super Sport - Thanks!

repechage

Because its Quarterly Tax payment time in the USA.

Always feel poor as property tax installments were last month