Jerry,
Actually, SunTour introduced its Superbe models back in 1977 with Superbe Pro subsequently debuting in 1980 - and at that point the physical differences with respect to those two models of rear derailleurs were quite nominal. Both were marked only with the words "SunTour Superbe" on their facing, however, the Superbe RD-2000 was equipped with standard chromed steel upper and lower pivot bolts while the Superbe RD-3100 used alloy bolts. With respect to front derailleurs, there were more decided differences in not only the manner of attachment (...braze-on available on the Superbe Pro FD-2050 and stainless steel continuous band type on the Superbe Pro FD-2000 whereas the Superbe FD-1500 used a more traditional hinged clamp affair) but also the steel chain guide itself.
What tends to make things so confusing during this time period is that it would be improper to think of SunTour as having offered a distinct Superbe versus Superbe Pro parts group. Rather, there was the Superbe group which could optionally be supplemented in specific instances with Superbe Pro piece parts to the extent that not all Superbe components had Superbe Pro specific counterparts (...fork ends, front and rear derailleurs, headset, and pedals were truly distinct, but their stem, shift levers, crankset, bottom bracket, and hubs were Superbe while the brake calipers and levers were Superbe Pro only at this point). Of course, any differences between Superbe versus Superbe Pro parts became more manifest over time as the two variants followed similar yet disparate upgrade paths in addition to the fact that additional Superbe Pro components were added to their line-up (...HUGE disclaimer here - I have been talking thus far about SunTour's Road or Racing equipment to the complete and total distraction of their Track specific offerings, which are a whole different can of worms).
Finally, your question as to which of the various SunTour front derailleurs employed the "reverse action" shift action is an excellent one - and if I'd had a wee bit more foresight when I was plowing through all of those SunTour catalogs to compile the previous listing, I would have thought to include that information. Perhaps at some point in the future I will amend said listing, but I am afraid that I have already spent too much time away from those duties I need to address in the "here and now" - sorry to say.
Robert "who thought the leaden winter would bring him down forever" Broderick ..the "Frozen Flatlands" of South Dakota Sioux Falls, USA
-----Original Message----- From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos [mailto:jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 8:33 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org; rsb000@hotmail.com Cc: discodave39@yahoo.co.uk Subject: Re: [CR] Disraeli Gears - SunTour FD & RD Chronology 1972 to 1983
Thanks Robert, this is extremely educational. I don't think I have seen a listing as comprehensive as this before. I am surprised to learn that SunTour continued the oiginal Cyclone and Superbe for quite a few years after the Cyclone Mk-II and the Superbe Pro were introduced. I had always thought the Mk-II and Pro replaced the earlier versions.
I'm also surprised how early the Superbe Pro was introduced. I was thinking perhaps the Superbe Pro was beyond the 1983 cutoff, or if On Topic, only just, but with a 1977 introduction date, the Superbe Pro is On Topic by a mile (1.6 km). And even the Superbe Tech which I thought was surely Off Topic, is within the CR timeline.
This makes me fell better about the build of my 1982 Zunow, where I used Superbe Pro derailleurs because they are cool and I was looking for a chance to use them, even though I thought they were too new for the frame and probably Off Topic as well. Now I know they are both period correct and CR-legal.
This apparent SunTour practice of retaining older models in the product line even after seeming successors were introduced reminds one of the French companies, who seemed never to drop a model. By 1983 the number of SunTour model had swelled to the point of rivaling Simplex.
One question - which of the FD's used the "reverse action"?
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Big Spring, Texas, USA