Re: [CR] Simplex barcon "demultiplicateur"?

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2006 07:42:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] Simplex barcon "demultiplicateur"?
To: Bob Hanson <theonetrueBob@webtv.net>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <23763-4514EC22-12654@storefull-3274.bay.webtv.net>


I've never really used this device - not sure if it was supposed to increase shift lever travel or decrease it. Kind of a neat bit of French idiosyncracy, though.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, Republica de Tejas

Bob Hanson <theonetrueBob@webtv.net> wrote: Can someone please explain this piece to me?

This was the relay attachment hinged to the rear derailleur cable guide which would be clamped above your bottom bracket (on the down tube).

Was this intended to simply reduce the distance of travel on your rear barcon shift lever? And, was this useful?... Necessary?... Just a weird French 'truc'?

Nobody else used anything like this, only Simplex, so I assume there was something uniquely quirky about their "cross-commandes" [barcon levers] alone.

Curious if these shifters actually functioned well,... especially with this additional bit of French technology designed into that system. I've never known anyone who has actually used a set.

[Whaddya think, Jerry?]

Bob Hanson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA