Even Sheldon doesn't read the original posting !
To quote myself... "specifically those that were brazed on "TOP" of the tube"
Thanks for the help so far...
Bob Reid Stonehaven Scotland.
http://www.flying-scot.co.uk (mapped)
On 29 Oct 2005, at 20:10, Sheldon Brown wrote:
Bob Reid wrote:
> Can anyone on the list put a date to the general introduction of
> top tube brake cable braze-on's ? Specifically those that were
> brazed on top of the tube ? A search of the archives doesn't
> reveal an awful lot, though that's probably got more to do with how
> I'm searching.
> My guess is that they came late 70s, but it's just a guess. Any
> thoughts anyone ?
>
Brake housing stops below the top tube were common on better quality British bikes in the '50s at least, generally offset toward the right side.
The problem with the lower position is that it is somewhat specific to the "handedness" of the brake setup, both which lever controls the rear brake, and also, in the case of sidepulls, the "handedness" of the rear caliper.
I believe that this issue was what caused the move to the otherwise less satisfactory run on top of the top tube.
I think Schwinn invented the _slotted_ variant that allows for easy lubrication of the cable without requiring disturbing the cable anchor bolt.
There was a period when braze-ons in general fell out of favour, generally the late '70s early '80s if memory serves. When braze-ons came back into fashion after this, that is when the top of top tube style came in.
Sheldon "Fashions Come And Go" Brown
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