[CR]Campag Paris-Roubaix and Corsa derailleurs.

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2001 22:15:39 -0400
From: "Michael J Barry" <MJBARRY@compuserve.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Campag Paris-Roubaix and Corsa derailleurs.

I have a number of bikes equipped with Campag Paris-Roubaix and Corsa derailleurs. I disagree with Charles Andrews when he says that they become quickly worn and do not work well. My 1952 Bianchi has been ridden a good many miles since I bought it used in 1955 and it still works like new. In the early years I would use it on early season training rides and although changing gear while in the middle of a fast moving bunch can be exciting, the other riders got to know that when I reached back for the joy stick that they should probably give me a little more room. With some practice it is possible to change to any desired sprocket with only a half turn back of the pedals. It is always wise to try to avoid changing on a very steep climb when even a half turn back with the pedals can bring you to a standstill. A change should take only a couple of seconds at the most. Not quite your Ergopower I admit. The Paris-Roubaix is a beautiful piece of bike equipment. It is extremely well made and was far better made than any other piece of bike equipment of its time, and dare I say, almost anything available now. A bike equipped with one is a joy to ride as it is completely silent and free running as there are no pulleys running on the chain. The Corsa derailleur takes a bit more practice to use as there is one lever to release the wheel and one to select the gear. (All this is done with one lever on the P-R). I have an old 1949 Paglianti which I use for commuting on occasion which is equipped with a Corsa. I must admit it doesn't get changed very often, maybe once to the bigger cog going home,up hill, and onto the smaller cogs in the morning on the way in. It is silent,
   simple and a good conversation piece. It is interesting that the Italians continued with these derailleurs long after the guys on the other side of the Alps had fairly normal cable operated, forward pedaling Simplex, Huret, and Super Champions to name just a few. The Campag Gran Sport was a nice derailleur but really very little better, if any in operation than the French ones.
          Mike Barry. Bicycle Specailties, Toronto.