I know these were sold in the US on Fiorelli bikes in the late '60s, say 1968 thru 1971. Robert's Cycles in Chicago sold those bikes back then. The store staff thought they were better than the Mafac's on PX-10s and the classic Weinmann's. Campy Record sidepulls were not in the local market back then, at least the stores I haunted.
Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Richard Robinson Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:48 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Balilla brakes
I have a question for all those vintage Italian lovers out there. I bought a nice set of vintage Balilla center pull brakes on ebay several months ag o and know only a little about the brand. I know they were offered on top tier Frejus bikes of the late 50's and early 60's, but this is about it. The brakes look very similar to Universal mod. 61 brakes, bu t are engraved with 'Balilla' in script on the front calip er arm and engraved 'Made in Italy' in block letters on the rear arm. They come with a set of very interesting levers with a unique q uick release, and have cool red anodized washers on the calipers like Weinm ann CP brakes only marked 'Balilla'. Can anyone tell me th e years they were offered and on what bikes these brakes may have been orig inal. Thanks in advance!
Regards, Rich Robinson
On the road in V.Beach Va.