[CR]Urago ten speed

(Example: Events:Eroica)

From: "Bob Hanson" <theonetrueBob@webtv.net>
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 03:19:36 -0600
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Urago ten speed

Michael,

That is an absolutely stunning bike! I may be wrong about these details, so someone else on the list may feel free to correct me here.

REAR DERAILLEUR:

The rear derailleur appears to be a Juy 543 - first manufactured in 1954, and arguably the finest derailleur ever made by Simplex. They were produced in both single and double cable versions, with the second cable controlling the chain tension. So, be sure both cables are in smooth working order, and that both are attached properly. There was often a secondary smaller shift lever with this type of double cable set-up, but I can't remember about this particular model.

First of all, if you don't feel comfortable messing with the derailleur, be sure to leave it only with someone knowledgeable and competent to work on it... NOT! the kid working part-time in a local shop. These derailleurs can sell for anywhere $500 to over $2000 dollars on ebay, and are becoming increasingly rare, and parts are impossible to find.

The chain line through the derailleur pulleys appears to be absolutely correct. Simplex had an strange pulley cage design, so it may appear odd compared to modern derailleurs.

The case enclosing the cable mechanism (actually a concealed pull-chain) was really an oil-bath reservoir, so be sure this is clean and kept well lubed with light oil. The small slotted screw just above the 'bulge' and below the upper mounting bolt will unscrew to allow removal of the cover, but do so carefully.

Inside the cover there was also a selector so that either 5, 4 or 3 speed freewheels could be used with this same derailleur. You may want to check to make sure it is set in the proper position for the 5-speed derailleur once you open up the case... and be careful not to lose the small selector / indicator, it's fixing nut, and washer held onto the bottom of the derailleur body.

The derailleur could handle a 12 tooth difference between freewheel cogs and a 10 tooth difference between chainrings (quite a lot for the time), so make sure that you are within these limits for best possible operation.

There may also be a bit of rust or just dried up grease inside the overlapping steel spring housing which connects the pulley cage. This too may be restricting the full movement over the sprockets, and limiting your shifting range to the middle three cogs.

The upper pivot spring should be packed in grease.

I believe the pulleys now on it are later replacements. As far as I know, they all originally came with steel pulleys with ball bearings - just smooth discs, like early Campagnolo Gran Sport wheels. The ones on it should work just fine, but just be sure they are clean, the bushings or bearings are lubricated, and they are spinning smoothly in the cage.

CRANKSET:

The Stronglight crankset is a model 49-d with a chainrings in a pattern similar to those of the Stronglight model 57. That model had the same 122 mm bolt circle connecting the chainrings, but with a single spider cast onto the right crank arm rather than the smaller 49 mm circle of mounting bolts as on yours.

I'd guess mid to late 1950s for the age of the bike. It's absolutely beautiful!

My sincere compliments! Enjoy!

Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

------------------------------

Michael Herhusky wrote:

I would like help with the ID of the model of this bike, the model of the stronglight crank, and the year of manufacture if anyone can help. It appears to have been a well made bike in its time. Also, any instructions on how to adjust the rear derailer would really help me out.

I have been riding this bike for fun on weekends and it seems pretty solid, but right now it can only shift between the 2nd and fourth cogs in back.

please see my pictures:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/herhusky(AT)sbcglobal.net/album?.dir=b029scd&.src=ph