[CR] Re: Simplex SLJ Timeline?

(Example: Framebuilders:Dario Pegoretti)

From: "Bob Hanson" <theonetrueBob@webtv.net>
Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:35:38 -0700
To: bulldogsrule@graffiti.net
Subject: [CR] Re: Simplex SLJ Timeline?
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Hi Bill,

According to "The Dancing Chain" book [on the history of derailleurs], the Super LJ was officially debuted at the 1972 shows, and was in actual production by 73. But, as Jerry Moos also mentioned, to be honest, I don't think I saw a single one till maybe 74 or even 75.

In 1970 Simplex had [Finally!] produced their first parallelogram front derailleur - the "Super Competition" which worked okay...but, it was still half plastic - like the older Prestige push rod type were.

Technically, "ALL" of the good stuff could be traced to 1973, including the first of the Retrofriction shifters. At first, these were really a "Deluxe" option for even the SLJ set - since they were also offered with another very good quality but conventional friction shifter, too.

While reading, I also just discovered that Simplex had even produced the LJ 2000T in 1975 which had their first "dropped parallelogram" (but, this still had lots of plastic). However, it was not until 1983 that they eventually acknowledged the superiority of this design (already long produced by Shimano) and went all out with the design including their flagship SLJ 6600 line... and had a multitude of others to match every price range by around 1985, in a hopeless desperate attempt to keep financially afloat.

Gerg Lemonde had actually won his first TDF on Simplex, so the derailleurs were around until Simplex died... which personally, I'd say was around 1987 when they merged with Ofmega.

In 1995 they were owned by Stratec, a company that made car locks for Peugeot autos. Nevertheless, it seems that Simplex STILL made a small handful of derailleurs and Retrofriction shifters, even that recently.

It's amazing that they refused to die for so long after their corporate body had really been lying on it's death bed. Very sad end to a once truly great and innovative company. ~ Gone but not forgotten.

Bob Hanson Albuquerque, NM USA

------------------------ From: "Bill Talbot"

CRers, Can anyone help me pin down when the Simplex Super LJ changers where introd uced and what year they stopped being made?

Bill Talbot, enjoying our extended riding season here in, New Hartford, CT USA