[CR]Those expensive MAFAC "Racer" brake stirrups.

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme)

From: "Norris Lockley" <norris.lockley@talktalk.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:56:38 +0000
Subject: [CR]Those expensive MAFAC "Racer" brake stirrups.

When I read the original contri about this item my heart missed a beat and I stared thinking about Eldorado..and riches.

I thought that this high-pice-hitting pair might be similar or identical to some pairs that I have picked up off a number of bikes....but theyaren't.. they are just standard but in NOS condition.

Perhaps someone on the List could help me out on my probelem of identifying some of my "RACERS" as I have neither brochures nor time-line to ass ist me.

I have one pair of "RACERS" that have nothing stamped into the leading fron t stirrup arm..no "RACER" ...and I have other pairs, NOS, that have just "M AFAC"....but not "RACER".m Is the blank shiney one a very early model..then the "Mafac" stamped one a slightly later model..made before the company ha d decided upon a name for this model?

Just as an aside I was discussing various types of French brakes with a Fre nch collector some months ago. Picking up a pair of 1950s CLB stirrup s he asked me if i knew what the initials stood for, to which I had to admi t that I hadn't a clue. He then picked up a pair of "RACER" centre-pulls..a second tier brand made by CLB for "series" bikes. Looking at the initials he went on to tell me just what the initials R.A.C.E.R. meant....Heis versi on of this brand read that the "A" meant "aluminium", the "C" meant "compag nie"..the "E" meant "Ergal" ..a special high-spec alumium alloy..but I just cannot remember the two "Rs" I hadn't the heart to tell him that the lette rs spelled just one word!.

Norris Lockley, Settle UK

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