Re: [CR]Simplex Derailleurs, 1960's-80's

(Example: Framebuilding:Paint)

From: "Eric Elman" <tr4play@cox.net>
To: "r cielec" <teaat4p@yahoo.com>, "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <20030308040426.33667.qmail@web41001.mail.yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Simplex Derailleurs, 1960's-80's
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2003 07:50:13 -0500


Richard,

Your question appears from time to time on the list. Opinions vary. Here's mine: Simplex Prestige rear derailleurs are marginal due to their pressed steel jockey cages, bushing typed jockey wheels and all delrin construction. Simplex rear Criterium, while looking almost the same as a Prestige, has a forged jockey cage, ball bearing jockey wheels and steel reinforced delrin body. It is one of the best shifting, non-slant parrallogram (did I spell that right?) ever produced. My experience with the delrin is that if it shows no sign of failure now it will be fine; if it shows cracking then it will be for the parts bin soon. Seems some last and others do not - not sure why. The SLJ 5500 rear is essentially a Criterium with a beautiful forged aluminum body - they are getting expensive when you can find them. On front derialluers, the Prestige pushrod is poor to mediocre by any standard - it does the job (usually) but is nothing to write home about. The front Criterium is the same as the Prestige except for chromed metal front clamp piece and bolts. The front Super Competition is a parallelogram design and works very nicely. It is part delrin, part chromed steel so looks appropriate on a bike originally equipped with a Prestige/Criterium with the benefit of actually working very well. The all aluminum front SLJ is a very nice unit and along with it's rear mate looks and functions wonderfully and is a great compliment to any high end road bike; especially a French brand. I've used Simplex derailleurs for 25 years now and as much as I love the Campagnolo NR/SR, the simplex units work better, if not always as durable nor as pretty.

Hope that's helpful,

Eric Elman Somers, CT


>
> I have never ridden Simplex derailleurs, only have seen the circa '70's Delrin (?) rears and both the Delrin and metal fronts.
>
> Were they any good? Did Simplex make quality derailleurs? What is the SLP? SLR? - I'm not sure of designation.
>
> Richard Cielec
>
> Chicago, Illinois