Howard Darr wrote: HD: I would really like to see Spence Wolf's conversion. Any photos. I don't want to stir anyone's pot but I am interested. Schwinn P15 used a Crane GS which worked well. Was this done to keep a bike all Campagnolo?
HS: The Shimano Crane was an outstanding unit, available in both long-arm touring and short-arm versions.
HD: Or was this done by folks who didn't want to use the Gran Turismo before the introduction of Crane and VGT and Rally?
HS: The Campgranolo Gran Trashmo chain strangler and boat anchor is one of the very worst units I have ever ridden with. I can't even remember the competition for the prize.
HD: If Crane, VGT and Rally were available then it is curious that NR was chosen and then Spence Wolf modified to make it work for alpine gearing, something it was not designed for.
HS: I never saw one of the Spence Wolf conversions in the flesh, but had always thought that they went away with the introduction of good product from Japan. To me, the "handwriting on the wall" came with early sheet-metal Shimano (bluebird?) that was dual-pivot and long cage, about 1970. I used one on a Dawes Double Blue, with a 28-48 front split and a closer range in back. Handled all the New England climbs I tried. It was about the time that Ben Okun (sp?) at BiEx in Cambridge, MA, showed me a catalog with all the new Suntour stuff, and predicted its impact on the market.
Your experience may vary...
harvey sachs
mcLean va