Ahoy ! I have been informed off list:
There is a drawing of such a handlebar in the Daniel Rebour book.
Richard Cielec
Chicago, Illinois; U.S.a.
From: Joseph LaTassa <coffee18@verizon.net> Subject: [CR] Peculiar 50s era British Brake Arrangement To: Cc: "<Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>" <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 8:18 PM
British Brake-onoscienti,
Nearly 30 years ago, on my initial trip to England to visit a collector with whom I'd been corresponding and trading back then, among other things I was shown what I recall was a top-quality 50s-vintage British lightweight, whose caliper brakes were somehow actuated by lifting the handlebars, i.e., they pivoted around the stem. There were no brake levers, and the bars were of alloy. I ddid take some fotos, but I have no idea where they might be.
This fellow's collection of some 25 or 30 British bikes was truly superb, so I know I was not looking at some novelty item.
Can anyone confirm that such a set-up existed, or provide some more details on it?
Thanks!
Joe LaTassa
Hellertown, PA