I think Weinmann brakes are better too, as did many in the 50's. Though Universal Mod. 61 bronze bushing calipers are quite nice, and Super 68's were the pre-cursor to Campy sidepulls. I have them (Weinmann 999) on several bikes. But Universal is what was spec'd factory on most of the Italian mounts of the 60's (Bianchi, Cinelli, De Rosa, Frejus, etc. etc.), until Campy became tHe SeX forevermore. But try posting that to the CR list, where as-spec'd, and country-of-origin, is de rigeur. Which is what I meant by my post. But where no percieved slight, no matter how innocuous, will go un-thrashed. You'll note, sir, I said _60's_ - the bulk of the older bikes collected by this membership. 50's Cinelli's, et al, being exceedingly rare, and won't compell The Great Robbie to nut up and invest in moulding and manufacture, to keep us all outfitted in period-correct consumables.
I meant no offense with my factually stated post, but several list members have none-the-less taken offense, off-list. And why I stopped posting to CR years ago. Clearly, I am reminded _again_ to stop wasting my time with CR, despite the significant contributions I have to make. Many, MANY others of significant experience have felt likewise, to the detriment of the hobby we love.
But thanks for your input, historical data points are always appreciated. I'd list them all ad-nauseum in my posts, but it makes posts rather long.
You'll pardon me if your 'input' seems a bit confrontational.
In the recent and immortal words of our esteemed listmeister, "sigh".
Best, Bill Roberts, Jacksonville, Oregon Who did 100 miles today on a reviled-by-several-of-the-folks I met OT 90's steel De Rosa, which was SO friggin sweet!
-----Original Message----- From: Michael Allison [mailto:cyclo_one@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 7:28 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Cc: Bill Roberts; hmsachs@verizon.net Subject: RE: Universal brakes on older Cinellis
In the mid 1950s-early 1960s, I imported complete Cinelli SC bikes directly from Cino Cinelli. They all came equipped with Weinmann 999 brakes. Cino was married to Heide Sieber, daughter of the Swiss component and bike maker. I'm sure that had something to do with the selection of Weimann. Besides, they were/are a better CP brake.
My 1962 Masi Special came with Universal 61, which I changed out when Campagnolo released their benchmark sidepull brakes.
Michael Allison
New York, NY