Altenberger, was Re: [CR]Centerpull Calipers

(Example: Framebuilding:Brazing Technique)

Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 22:00:00 -0400
From: "Harvey M Sachs" <sachshm@cox.net>
To: youngc@ptd.net, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Altenberger, was Re: [CR]Centerpull Calipers


The Altenberger was also called "Synchron." I put them on a first gen. small-wheel Moulton, because it was about the only thing that worked well in the back with its peculiar suspension. Worked fine. Because of the suspension, centerpulls were not feasible in the front, either. I later decided the bike was not well matched to my riding style and sold it, but that was not the fault of the brakes.

harvey sachs mcLean va.

Charlie Young wrote:

If a "contemporary equivalent" to the modern dual pivot sidepull calipers appeal, you could consider a set of the Weinmann Symmetric or the GB Sychron dual pivot sidepulls. I don't know what the name was of the Altenberger brakes. I believe were the first of this ilk. Anybody know the introduction dates and range of production years for these various iterations?

If these work for your build, you can demonstrate to the modern crowd that dual pivots are not a new concept. Many hold that they are good brakes. My recollection is that some tricycle riders liked them for instances where only a single brake would be fitted and that they were also popular with tandemists. If equipped with Koolstop Continental shoes rather than dried out rock hard pads, these will more than likely be able to send you over the bars if you grab too much front brake.

I'd think that it would be fun to build up a bike one of these days that includes as many of these forgotten innovations as possible (i.e. GB Syncrons, B-W freehub). Now, what to use for an indexed shifting system that would mate to a B-W freehub with 3 cogs?

Charlie Young
Honey Brook, PA