I knew you guys could do it! Thanks Jan.
Tom Rawson
Oakland, CA
> Here is a quick guide to Mafac centerpulls - since so many
questions
> seem to come up. It may not be complete, and is to my best
knowledge.
> Any additions are welcome.
>
> - Racer was the first model, introduced sometime around 1956.
First
> ones were stamped "Dural Forge," but not "Racer" - there was
only one
> model of Mafac centerpulls. Long reach. Bronze bushings until
shortly
> before the arms were stamped "Racer." Even the "cheap" Racers
> featured forged arms.
>
> - Raid is even longer reach. Plastic bushings on the ones I've
seen.
>
> - Competition: shorter reach, similar to standard reach Campy
> sidepull. Bronze bushings.
>
> - 2000: Reach like Racer, finish like Competition.
>
> - Top 63, Tiger, etc.: Special models that weren't in
production for
> long. Different set-up (no slots for vertical brake shoe
adjustment,
> but an extendable bridge) means they can't be used with
brazed-on
> pivots (unless you get everything exactly right and never have
worn
> brake shoes). Not sure about reach.
>
> The "Racer" was probably the best brake when it appeared. It
was used
> not just in France, but also in Britain. Hilary Stone's book on
> Thanets states that they replaced all other brakes on these
bikes
> (more or less). In France, they led to the demise of Singer's
custom
> brakes (Racers were cheaper and better). In fact, many older
bikes
> were retrofitted with brazed-on pivots, such as the Herse of
1956 PBP
> winner Baumann.
>
> Jan Heine, Seattle