Three nit-picky detailed Simplex questions:
1.In the early to mid 70's Simplex offered both a Prestige and Criterium front derailleur, both pushrod and in the one catalog I have they have distinct item numbers but every single component, without exception, has the same part number - what was the difference? My 1972 Peugeot PX-10E and 1973 UO-8 have what appears to be identical pushrod derailleurs except the front metal clamp portion is chrome plated as are the bolts and washers on the PX-10 where as the UO-8 is the not chromed - is that the difference?
2. Again on the pushrod front derailleur, I have a coffee can of used ones (sort of like collecting pennies), all but two of them have the very common simplex logo stamped on the cage. Two of them have just an "S" inside a circle - are these an earlier version or when were they used? These two also have a 5mm head bolt holding them onto the rod versus the usual tiny (2mm?) little bolt.
3. Simplex crierium shift levers, as used on many higher end French bikes of the 70's, had chromed steel levers with black plastic covers. Today at the dump was a Carnielli bike boom pice of junk (I think Carnielli imported Bottechia?) with really crappy components on it like stamped brake calipers. It also had Simplex Prestige front and rear derailleurs. The shift levers were not the usual plastic and stainless items. Instead they were the same shape and appearence at criteriums except the lever body is cast aluminium and the tightening bolts are nice screws instead of the usual bolt inside of the black delrin wing nut. Has anyone ever seen these before and when were they available and used?
Thanks in advance,
Eric Elman
Somers, Ct