I recently acquired a Condor which I believe might be a '73 with similar sounding DuraAce cranks, twin band-on downtube shifters and front derailleur, all of which I believe to be original to the bike because of the special chainrings with letter cutouts to match the bike (Condor seemed to like doing that -- they did the same on a Campagnolo NR equipped Barracchi that I have from the same era).
I assume there was also a rear derailleur to go with the group that expired before being replaced by the current Crane. The brakes are Universal Super 68 (anyone know where I can get lever hoods?), so maybe there were no DuraAce brakes at that time. The seat post is a twin bolt Campy knock-off that I haven't yet found any ID on. I doubt if it is Shimano, but it might be.
Hugh Thornton Sunny N.W. England
>From: Paul Williams <8pbw@qsilver.queensu.ca>
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [CR]Chronology of Dura-Ace?
>Date: Tue, 23 Jul 2002 11:53:57 -0400
>
>Hey Folks,
>
>I know how some of you feel about Shimano but I thought that I would throw
>out this query. What is the chronology of Shimano Dura Ace? As mentioned
>last week, I have this c1976-7 crankset (170 mm) and was curious about it.
>Again as noted, it is the NR(?) look alike but with black alloy chain-rings
>and black detailing in the fluting on the cranks - Shimano Dura Ace appears
>in script in the flutes. I picked this up for C$135 in 1977. Were there
>other parts with the set? I don't remember seeing them. Is this one of the
>very early Dura Ace pieces to make it to these shores?
>
>By the way I am still thinking about parting with these cranks when I get
>my new Campy set. Any interest?
>
>Paul "curious and procrastinating in a rainy Kingston" Williams
>Kingston, Ontario