Don't know about the different generations, but having built up a Bianchi TSX/UL earlier this year with C-Record, the Delta brakes were a pleasant surprise. I'd heard the same unfavorable things about them, but these reports proved to be untrue or at least exaggerated. Didn't weight them, but they aren't as heavy as they look. What appears a massive body is mostly a fairly light alloy cover plate concealing a less massive inner mechanism. As to stopping, I was surprised to find they seem to stop about as well a NR brakes. I have one pair of Cobalto brakes. Haven't installed them yet, but they seem nearly identical to late Campy SR calipers, except for the funky blue stones which seem to fall off with great regularity.
I'm not real clear as to the story on the Cobaltos. I believe the story is that they were hurriedly brought out as a replacement for the 1st generation Deltas. But I'm not sure if there was a real problem with the original Deltas, or if some customers just didn't like the rather radical appearance. Perhaps someone else has more detail on this.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
greg arnold <greg@nofatcomm.com> wrote: Ok - hoping this is not off topic by skirting the CR vintage time span, but I would love the definitive word on Delta brakes! (er, speed attenuators)
I have heard there are two generations, and I can identify two different styles of parallelogram 'arms' in various pictures.
I've been told the first generation was a smaller size.
I've been told the 'black' cable grommet brakes are the newer ones, but I've seen identical looking inner 'works' with both white and black cable grommets.
Finally I've seen Croce D'une delta brakes with what looks like a third completely different inner mechanism. Amusingly called 'Crotch Dune' by some well meaning collector (actually I think that¹s a gay hangout on West Hampton Beach) There is a black pair of these on ebay with a huge $700+ current bid. What's up with that?
Anyway I've always liked the look of the c-record gruppo and these brakes, but understand that they are heavy, work like poo, and are dangerous to boot. Can one of you experts clarify? One more thing - just curious how rare the replacement Colbalto brakes are?
Thanks all
Greg Arnold nyc