The all-alloy ones take the well-known MAFAC half hoods or the less typical full hoods. Levers which originally took full hoods are often, but perhaps not always, drilled. I was a bit puzzled myself until recently by the ones with alloy levers and black plastic bodies. I am told these were a "superlight" model. I recently acquired a mid 70's Peugeot PY-10 bike that came with these. The plastic body and lack of rubber hoods saved a bit of weight.
Regards,
Jery Moos
> Hi all,
>
> I recently acquired a former bicycle mechanic's stash
> of mostly late 70's-mid 80's French parts. Upon
> sorting through all this stuff, I've found some pairs
> of Mafac brake levers, some with black plastic and a
> pair that's all aluminum (presumably the hoods are to
> be added?). I'm planning on saving most of the pieces
> for that "perfect" French frame.
> My question is: which Mafac brake levers are the
> "better" pair?
> If anyone has any general advice about ID-ing the
> different levels of Mafac parts, ie; like Campy SR &
> NR differences, it would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Cheers,
> -John Lima
> Wakefield, RI