[CR]Re: Suicide Levers/Bahamontes?

> Ahh, at last, some real information. Thanks, Bob. OK, I'll bite. Who is
> Bahamontes?
>
> JD in Napa Valley
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Bob Reid <bob.reid1@virgin.net>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2000 4:01 AM
> Subject: Re: [CR]Re: Suicide Levers
>
>
> > "Suicide Levers" were not intended as fashion item at the start. They
> were
> > a compromise between the combination of Randonneur bars and Guidonnet type
> > tourist brake levers (located on the flat sections either side of the stem
> > clamp) and the conventional drop handlebar levers.
> >
> > With the Guidonnet type levers fitted you couldn't reach them from the
> drops
> > and vice versa with conventional levers from the "tops" - Brake extension
> > levers were a much maligned "good idea" I suppose in that it appeared to
> > solve the problem that "sport" riders feel the need to get "nose-down",
> and
> > tourists "nose-up" in the pre-Sti/Ergo days - I mean why spend all that
> time
> > going up one side of a Col when you can't view the beautiful scenery on
> the
> > way down ? Unless you happen to be Bahamontes.
> >
> > Schwinn in 69 had almost universal fitment to all their drop-bar machines
> in
> > perhaps as a good compromise for the touring and more sporting riders when
> > it came to choosing a model. We didn't get them till 71 when Weinmann
> > brought out their version after which everything including Dawes Super
> > Galaxy's appeared with them And with much initial support from the CTC
> > members . So don't be too ready to throw out and condemn those levers
> yet -
> > you might just need them for that period correct restoration !
> >
> > Bob Reid
> > Stonehaven
> > Scotland