RE: [CR]Mid 70's PX-10 rear derailer + mystery hubs

(Example: Framebuilders:Rene Herse)

From: "Mark Bulgier" <mark@bulgier.net>
To: "'Gjvinbikes@aol.com'" <Gjvinbikes@aol.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: RE: [CR]Mid 70's PX-10 rear derailer + mystery hubs
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 17:25:50 -0800


Glenn Jordan wrote:
> It has some of the original parts on it, like the black
> plastic-tipped steel Simplex shift levers,

Nit-picking I know, but unless you have some other levers I haven't seen, those aren't steel. They're chrome-plated so I don't know what's under the chrome, but it's lighter than steel and non-magnetic - probably aluminum. Nice levers.
> odd hubs - maybe you guys could help me identify them ?
> My first guess is Weyless. These hubs are sealed bearing
> with a black/silver/black ringed sticker around the
> center. They have remarkably bulky black and silver
> quick-releases with stubby curly wire loop levers.

Weyless, absolutely. You've described all the unique aspects of that brand.
> it has Simplex dropouts, at least in the back, and the derailer
> hanger is threaded but round with no B-tension screw stop at all.

Dave Feldman gave you one option, here's another: grind or file them to make the stop. There's enough metal there (barely), just remove everything that doesn't look like a Campy. Sort of an advanced project, but if you have a vise and a coarse file and are a bit handy you should be able to handle it. Another option is to find someone who can do it for you. I can think of at least 4 or 5 shops in Seattle that could handle it; possibly there's someone near you? Blows the chrome there so of course it'll rust, but it's in an inconspicuous place, and a bit of grime there will both inhibit rust and make it less noticeable. ;) Acceptable on a dumpster find, eh?
> Has it been firmly established to there were never any
> French-threaded clipless pedals ever produced, even by Look ?

'course now we're off-topic (clipless? what's that?), but did you know that any French-threaded crank can be tapped to English? Downside is you can't go back. But a dumpster find is unlikely to ever go for $7,100 on ebay, so keeping it original probably isn't a must.
> Russ and David, I begin to understand your affinity for the
> "Lion of France", as it is much better made than my Gitane
> Tour de France.

Hmm, I too have one of each (both dumpster finds!), but the Gitane has the better workmanship of the two - though they're both pretty awful! Still like 'em for some reason though.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle, Wa
USA