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Jon,
The attached files show the difference between 2nd generation MAFAC 2000 and and 3rd generation Competition brakes.
MAFAC had as many undocumented variations in their brakes as Simplex did in their derailleur offerings.
The 1st generation Competition brakes came out about 1970. They had a shorter reach than the standard Racer brakes. The arms had the same flat faced shape as Racers but they used different transverse cables with a molded attachment at each end.
MAFAC Racer >http://tinyurl.com/2adurlt<
MAFAC 1st generation Competition >http://tinyurl.com/2gxtz2y<
Around 1973 MAFAC introduced the 2nd generation Competition brakes and at around the same time 1st generation MAFAC 2000 brakes. The outboard sides of the arms were rounded rather than flat like the previous version.
MAFAC 1st generation "2000" (same overall appearance as 2nd generation Competition) >http://tinyurl.com/24h3k4z<
Both this version Competition and "2000" where polished and anodized. They came in both silver and gold anodized finish.
The only difference that I remember between the 2 models was the "2000" brakes had wheel guide that mounted on the brake block studs. This was not a constant as I've seen both models with and without wheel guides.
Up to this point, the outboard brake arms had MAFAC and the model STAMPED into them. They were not ENGRAVED!
Engraving is a time intensive character by character process done either by hand with a single point tool or with am engraving machine with a small rotating cutter!
Engraving machine >http://tinyurl.com/26kd5e8<
Today engraving can be done with computer controlled machines but it's still a character by character process.
Even the holy sacred Campagnolo components had logos and characters STAMPED in not ENGRAVED!
It's like a Fiat is not a Ferrari or a VW a Porsche!
>http://www.gtschmidt.com/steel-stamps-marking-dies.shtml<
About 1975 MAFAC introduced the 2nd generation "2000" and 3rd generation Competition brakes. They both had a recess forged into the right side of the outboard brake arm. MAFAC put black and gold plastic film ID labels in the recesses.
3rd generation Competition >http://tinyurl.com/286fgxl<
2nd generation "2000" >http://tinyurl.com/29zgon8<
Some Competition/"2000" calipers used transverse wires with a ball on both ends, others had a tab that functioned as a quick release.
Robert Broderick was so kind to post this 1979 MAFAC Parts breakdown. It show that there were 3 version of both the "2000" and the Competition. The "2000" had a longer reach.
But... as I mentioned above, there were a lot of undocumented variants.
YMMV... ;-)
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
> Listers,
>
> I had gold-anodized MAFAC 2000 CP brakes on my 1975 Peugeot PX-10 LE
but sold them at a bike swap years ago for $20, or about 15-20% of their
current street value... :-( sigh)
>
> But I never really looked at the differences between 2000s and the
Competitions before starting work on my Allegro build.
>
> Am I correct that the 2000s were MAFAC's "deluxe Racers" and a
longer-reach version of the Competition design?
>
> After searching the CR archives and looking at Velobase I have not
found comparative specs on the two brakes side by side. (And yes, I know
that there were a few generations of both brakes.)
>
> Does anyone have any good descriptions of the differences between
them or good stories about those two models?
>
> Thanks very much for the enlightenment I know will follow...
>
> Jon Spangler
> Alameda, CA 94501