To answer Jon's original message,
I suspect there was an intended or perceived difference in quality between the 2nd generation MAFAC Competition brakes and the then new MAFAC "2000" brakes. The "2000" brake calipers had wheel guides that mounted on the brake block studs.
That was the only obvious difference in the calipers except for the model names stamped into the outboard arms. They were both performance models with the same short reach calipers.
In the mid 70s a number of French components used the "2000" model number for their top products. Ideal 2000 saddles and Pelissier 2000 hubs are two that come to mind. I suppose that the MAFAC "2000" brakes fit this scheme too.
Both models came as complete sets in green and yellow cardboard "presentation" display boxes.
The Competition brakes in those original sets had standard Course 121 all alloy levers with full black rubber hoods.
The "2000" model brakes had the fancier Course 429 drillium style levers with gum hoods plus wheel guides. The "2000" brakes were available in gold or silver anodized finish.
After the new style calipers with the label recesses became available it seems that you could get either model in gold or silver with any combination of levers and hoods that MAFAC made. I've seen both models with and without wheel guides plus Competitions on French bikes with 1/2 rubber hoods. They both came in at least 3 lengths of reach. There were a lot of other undocumented variances too.
Chas. Colerich Oakland, CA USA
Jon Spangler wrote:
> 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