Re: [CR]Mafac Top 63 Brakes (eBay item 729361116)

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

From: "Joe Bender-Zanoni" <joebz@optonline.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Mafac Top 63 Brakes (eBay item 729361116)
To: GRIFFKS@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <1c4.f61557.2af4545e@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 01 Nov 2002 17:38:02 -0500

The Top 63 and Tiger brakes are surely rare in the US. Also it could be that the Top 63, because it is adjustable width and the Tiger, because it is wide are nicer fits with wide fenders?

Here's a related request for, as some Brit members have put it, rocking horse manure. Anyone have 3 of the hemispherical angle sided brake shoe "washers" for the Tiger? and the brake pad nuts?

Joe Bender-Zanoni
Great Notch, NJ


----- Original Message -----
From: GRIFFKS@aol.com
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 5:04 PM
Subject: [CR]Mafac Top 63 Brakes (eBay item 729361116)


Can someone tell me what the appeal is for Mafac Top 63 brakes in that they always seem to sell on eBay in excess of £200 sterling, (check out eBay item 729361116) Whilst I can appreciate the difference in design of the adjustable backplate on the stirrups what is it about them that commands a substantially higher premium when auctioned, over other favourites say the Mafac "Racer's"? Is it their scarcity because they seem to turn up regularly on eBay. When I first attempted to put a serious racing bike together back in the 60's I was offered, and somewhat reluctantly accepted, Top 63's because my first choice for "Racer's" meant having to wait a further month because of the shop then currently being out of stock, I don't recall them being much different in price and although I found the Top 63's to be adequate their design and braking efficiency didn't seem to be any superior to the "Racer's"(........always wished I had waited that month longer so my bike could mirror those seen in the peleton, all the main trade teams seem to use the "Racer's") any comments anyone? Griff King-Spooner (London UK)