Simplex

[Mikelone]

Hello!!
Does anybody know something about this rear mech?

 

[Pash.]

Hello.

I'm no expert, but it looks almost identical to the Tour de France model from the 1950s - I have one of those for a Claud Butler rebuild I'm working on. Yours is a 5-speed one, and looks in excellent condition - I haven't seen a Spanish-made one before.

There's some info on the Disraeli Gears site (https://www.disraeligears.co.uk/site/simplex_-_model_tour_de_france_scan_1.html) on installation/operation; and also on the Restoring Vintage Bicycles site regarding setup (https://restoringvintagebicycles.com/2021/01/17/simplex-tour-de-france-rear-derailleur-adjustment/).

 

[Big Block]

There are other Simplex fitting instructions I have placed in my Dropbox folder https://www.dropbox.com/s/7zdauxjkxgw7po0/Simplex fitting instructions.pdf?dl=0

If you are interested in the history of the Simplex derailleur then Raymond Henry's "Fifty Years of Development of Simplex Derailleurs" is also in my Dropbox at https://www.dropbox.com/s/e8evpyy450pwsdd/simplex 50 years.pdf?dl=0
Raymond Henry, the author, supplied me with this copy.

Work within its limitations and you will be able to appreciate the best gearing on offer at that time.

 

[Pash.]

Much appreciated - thank you. Those fitting instructions in particular will be invaluable (I like the idea of the wing nut for the shift lever to allow for changes in friction on-the-go), but the other document is also of interest.

 

[Mikelone]

Thank you both!! I have several of them and I was thinking if they might have value to sell some.