Sheldon wrote:
>The Valentino was the worst derailer Campagnolo
>ever made, never worked for beans.
>
I often read that the Valentino is a lousy shifter. I would normally
agree, since I have never read anything good about it, but I have an old
Atala with them, pushrod front and all, and I must admit, it is a
pleasure to shift them. I think it is due to the freewheel, which I
swapped out for a twist tooth, more modern 6 speed shimano one. I think
it is even a 14-28. With 52/42 steel cottered cranks.
This bike is one of those bikes that some one finds in the trash and gives you 'cause they know you like that kind of thing. Campy Tipo high flange hubs, crude chrome lugs. I have it set up with tourist bars and mountain bike brake levers. Boy, those weinmann center pull brakes work great with those levers. I've ridden it on club rides, pulling titanium herds, with great pleasure.
I just wanted to give another view of the much maligned Valentino (Extra) derailleur.
Regards,
Paul Lee
Huntington, NY