Hi Tim
I've always had a soft spot for the Gran Compe stuff - there's such a huge variety of it out there.
The earliest Gran Compe, I believe, was a heavily engraved rather ornate lever almost akin to the Shimano arabesque stuff. Had flip-releases built in to the levers. Later came (what I like to think of as) the "Diacompe 'GC' Ranch" branding, backwards sans-serif' G' atop the 'C'. Many varieties of lever blades, solid, slotted, also barrel adjusters etc. etc. I don't know the exact dates.
It seems that the RGC and A(ero)GC came later, mid-80s yes.
There are several scanned catalogs out there, mostly on Japanese
collector sites illustrating the complete line up. Aha (tinyurl links
to google translation of material on the
http://cyclotourist.web.fc2.com site):
http://tinyurl.com/
Ooh, and here's a new page I hadn't previously seen, a real treatise
it would seem! (attn: Amir...):
http://tinyurl.com/
Don't forget the forged Gran Compe stems often seen in .833 steerer sizes - were these ever available (here?) in 22.2? I've a real nice hollow/milled version on my Voyageur 11.8...
Best =- Joe Bunik Walnut Creek, CA
On 2/17/10, Tim Fricker <tymncycle@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey Gang!
>
> Does anyone know of a source for info on the old DiaCompe Gran Compe brakes
> and their evolution? Specifically, I'm trying to figure out what version
> would be "right" on a 79 or 80 bike. I have a set with no obvious logo, but
> the name stamped on the quick release, and I have some others that have the
> fancy black "Royal Gran Compe" script logo on the arms. As I recall, the
> script came later, like mid 80s, but I'm not sure. I know the first version
> of Gran Compe was blockier looking than Campy Record, and had a "on/off"
> q/r, while the later ones that I have are curvier, more like Campy, and have
> a variable q/r like Campy.
>
> Also, what about levers? I have a pair that have a sort of intertwined,
> "deco" looking GC on the lever, and I was wondering what era those were.
> Anyone?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Tim
>
> --
> Tim Fricker
> bikes@vienna, llc
> Vienna, VA, USA
> Recumbents, folders, tandems, etc.
>
> http://spokesofawheel.blogspot.com/