There are at least 4 styles, or shapes, of retrofriction levers:
The first was the type with the star in silver and gold.
The next is a similar pattern in resin with a decorative metal overlay. (We still sell these at Velo Orange)
Then there was the most familiar type with the cutout in silver, black, and in gold. These were manufactured under at least three brand names.
Finally there is the type that looks like the little coke spoons made for Gippiemme.
Those are the types I own, but I have also seen one other shape in a photo. I'm not sure if it was produced since it does not appear in any of my old Simplex literature. All the types seem equally great in function.
Chris
http://velo-orange.blogspot.com/
Ahoy !
I am sort of, kind of, getting prepared to start hunting for a pair of Simplex Retro-friction braze-on levers and have recently learned of two styles. One style lever has a hole in it such that the lever looks like a loop. Another style has a solid lever with Simplex logos-type.
What is the difference between the two styles ? Only the hole? Early or late model? Equal performance ? Anything ?
Thank you.
Richard Cielec Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A.
Chris Kulczycki
Velo Orange
109 Colonial Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401