[CR]Campy brake lever homework for all members

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

From: <NortonMarg@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 17:32:02 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Campy brake lever homework for all members

Research time! Be glad I'm not asking you to check the dates on your "no Record" hub lock nuts!

I would like to ask all members who have Campy brake levers from 1969 to about 1980 (there HAS to be at LEAST a few of you out there) to take a look and see if we can date a few changes. I am going to posit a few things and look for data to either back it up or disprove it. We're looking for evidence here, so verifiably dated (look at the rear derailleur and/or hub date) original bikes are perfect for this, and if that isn't what you have, say so.

1) I've recently seen what looks like an original 1971 bike, where the brake levers were the oldest style, silver body, long lever with the round cable hole, that were first introduced in 1968-9, and produced through 1971. This is the 1st iteration of the brake lever. Incidentally, the calipers had the block lettering on them. I suspect the "no name" brakes were 1968/9 only, with the block lettering appearing in 1970.

2) The 2nd iteration was the SAME round hole long reach lever with a DARK body. I THINK these were made for the 1972-3 production.

3) The third iteration appeared in 1974, with the introduction of SR, the cable hole was changed from a circle to a "U", making cable insertion a lot easier. If you look at the pattern of the holes on SR levers (still long reach) the uppermost hole is at or about a level between the "L" and "O" at the bottom of the "CAMPAGNOLO" engraving on the lever. The Record lever was the same without the lever holes, "U" shaped cable hole, dark body.

4) Version 4 was the 1978 (CPSC) edition. The SR lever had the same "drill" (threy're pressed, not drilled, ok?) pattern as the earlier levers, but now we're looking at the first SHORT reach levers. I am relying on my suspect recall memory that this is when the shorter reach levers were introduced. If you know otherwise, please chime in.

5) Approximately 1980, the "drill" pattern was changed. The uppermost hole is now a little below the bottom "O" of the Campagnolo on the lever.

So, please check your bikes or any other sources you have and let's see if we can nail this down. Extra accuracy points for info taken from original bikes with original equipment. There are 5 distinct versions of the brake levers, your help in documenting when these changes occurred is appreciated!
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA