Re: [CR]Does a Simplex Demultiplicator do anything worthwhile?

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

Date: Thu, 08 Jul 2004 21:03:19 -0400
From: "HM & SS Sachs" <sachs@erols.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, tr4play@cox.net
Subject: Re: [CR]Does a Simplex Demultiplicator do anything worthwhile?


My opinion differs a bit, without excluding the bar-end shifter case. I started riding during the transition from straight-moving "helix" or "plunger" rear derailleurs to parallelogram units. The former needed to move a whole bunch of chain, and frequently came with very large diameter down-tube shift levers. In contrast, parallelogram units use shift lever wrap barrels about 1/2 to 2/3 as large. Using one of the older large wrap diameter Cyclo or Simplex levers designed for the older derailleurs would give you gears that were much too close together (in terms of lever movement). Thus, the demultiplicator, which reduces the cable movement, to match a parallelogram derailleur to an older shift lever, which frequently had a brazed-on mount. I have a pair of the demultiplicators, but come to think of it can't remember seing one installed. harvey sachs. Phil Brown wrote:
>>
>> I believe that it was really meant for fingertips.
>
>

My experience would confirm Phil's belief. I have owned two NOS/NIP Simplex bar end kits and both came with a demultiplicator and its cables. Never seen a demultiplicator as a standard part of any other Simplex offerings.

Eric Elman
Somers, CT