[CR] Were Campy brakes so superior?

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

From: <Stronglight49@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 02:57:28 EST
Subject: [CR] Were Campy brakes so superior?
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In his top 5 component list, Dan Artley mentioned:

"...Campy sidepull brakes as revolutionizing good braking and control. A brake that unlike the Mafacs didn't need dedicated pivot posts on the frame. It may not be the best now, but at the time they came out, nothing else came close. ... Dan Artley in Parkton, MD "

First of all, I do not mean to contest his choice at all, but this does raise an interesting question in my mind.

Why were Campy brakes really that revolutionary?

Yes, like all Campy products were very well made, highly promoted, fairly quickly accepted by the pro teams, but were they revolutionary or significantly superior in design or effectiveness to other side-pull brakes of the late 1960s.

The Universal Super 68 comes to mind. Yes, those still had the sliding arm quick release linkage dating from 1950, and Campy's beautifully simple cam quick release lever was a significant improvement to other systems which come to mind. But, otherwise I can't see anything else unique about the Campy brake design which might distinguish it from perhaps the lowly Weinmann 500 series or probably a few other rather simple side-pull calipers already in use on lower range bikes which might account for improved overall performance. Let me qualify that by adding: "if compared using identical brake pads."

Campy was always extremely successful at promoting their products through their racing team sponsorships. Their products were indeed very beautifully finished. But, why did they command a fee of $50 as an option on a $350 Paramount? Were they really worth what might compare to a $500+ brake "option" if added to a high quality production bike today?

Could someone please explain just how these were significantly superior in design? Honestly folks, I'm not meaning to be argumentative, I'm just ignorant about these things and sincerely would like to know.

Thanks!

Still perfectly content with my Universal mod. 61...

BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA

**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025 48)