John Lima wrote:
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!
####### We've used the black (and the white) plastic levers as well as the all-aluminum versions. I'm confident that the plastic are later -- but also lighter (which matters to Thom. Adams, eh?). I suspect that the plastic ones were specified on less expensive bikes, but I prefer them for not needing the ratty Mafac hoods, and their very nice cable adjusters. Have had no problems with either version.
harvey sachs
mcLean VA