In my experience, this is especially true of (early) 1970s British bikes. When I was outfitting my 1971 Mercian with Weinmann centerpulls, I used a Weinmann Vainqueur 610 in the front and a 750 in the rear and I have seen this on other British bikes of the era as well.
Why was this? Because of issues of geometry? More clearance for a rear fender?
-Kirke Campbell
Houston, Tx USA
From: kevin sayles <kevinsayles@tiscali.co.uk> Subject: Re: [CR] Short Reach Front, Long Reach Rear? To: "Matthew Bowne" <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com>, "CR List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 7:29 AM
Matthew, In them days it was usual for Universal 68s to be fitted with a shallow front & deep drop rear.......this is why the Campag drop bolt was introduced as a after sale item following the introduction of Campag brakes in 68~69
cheers Kevin Sayles Bridgwater Somerset UK
----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Bowne" <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com> To: "CR List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 1:05 PM Subject: [CR] Short Reach Front, Long Reach Rear?
> Do my eyes deceive? Or is it really possible that this early 70's Colnago Super is built to accept a short reach front brake caliper...and a standard reach in the rear? Am I missin' something here? Or was this a common practice for builders of the era? If so, why?
>
> Matthew Bowne
> scratchin' my head in
> Breukelen, New Amsterdam
> (BKNYC)